The following unabridged reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers. Reviews may be used for educational purposes consistent with the fair use doctrine in your jurisdiction, and may not be reproduced or repurposed without permission from the rights holders.

Note: This section may include reviews for related titles (e.g., same author, series, or related edition).

From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

A young bear in his first year is joyful until the leaves begin to turn and fall. “Are you okay?” he asks the first leaf he sees on the ground. Overwhelmed by changes, the young bear finally slumbers while the world around him continues to transform. When the bear eventually awakens, it is to the sight of small buds “on the bare arms of the trees” and small leaves unfurling. “Welcome!” he cries. David Ezra Stein’s tender, lovely picture book celebrates nature’s wonder and a gentle, open heart. The author/artist’s text and captivating illustrations are a sophisticated, graceful pairing imbued with childlike innocence. (Ages 2–5)

CCBC Choices 2008 © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2008. Used with permission.