Gr 1–3—The endangered Moon Bear, or Asiatic black bear, is the subject of this call-and-response tale created in partnership with the Animals Asia Foundation. Readers follow one female bear as she wakes from hibernation, explores the seasons, and awakens the following spring with new cubs. The story focuses on simple actions such as eating raspberries and swatting insects, giving young readers an idea of how these elusive bears behave. Much of the time, collage illustrations closely reflect the text, but occasionally elements are left to the imagination. For example, the Moon Bear is said to be eating near a red panda that appears nowhere on the page. Collage illustrations are a good fit for showcasing the Moon Bear's markings and large round ears. The threat of poachers and loggers is touched upon, and an author's note with photos and a Web site lets readers know how they can help this animal. A worthy effort highlighting a species in need.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO
With a series of questions and haiku-like answers, Guiberson (Ice Bears, 2008) introduces young readers and listeners to bears from a far-off place. "Who plucks raspberries / and plops red scat in the tangle? Blissful moon bear, / feasting on juicy summer fruit." While much of her alliterative text focuses on the Asian Moon Bear's varied diet, the narrative covers a year in which one bear emerges in spring, forages uphill and down and hibernates again, producing cubs. Collages of textured papers, parts of photographs and varied backgrounds form the stylized illustrations. Some of the bear's white neck stripes form human silhouettes, and Young uses bear silhouettes in his endpapers. Though the art is impressive, some images are confusing, distracting from rather than supporting the text. A two-page author's note doesn't mention the bile industry directly but describes bears in cages and shows photographs of rescued bears happily playing at the Animals Asia Moon Bear Rescue Center in China. A website is included but not sources or additional information. Tempting but not nutritious. (Informational picture book. 4-7)
“All who read this delightful book will be enchanted by Ed Young's evocative illustrations and Brenda Guiberson's catchy prose. It will give children everywhere a chance to peek into the little known world of the moon bear. I urge you to buy it, and I hope you will do what you can to help this magnificent and highly endangered species.” —Jane Goodall
“A worthy effort highlighting a species in need.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“This is a beautiful book which I hope can spread awareness until every last bear is free.” —Olivia Newton-John
“Author Brenda Guiberson uses a call-and-response text to introduce young readers to an increasingly rare wild animal in Moon Bear. Dramatic cut-paper collage illustrations by Ed Young spotlight the beauty and playfulness of the moon bears.” —The Seattle Times
“Ms. Guiberson's soothing words, "blissful moon bear, feasting on juicy summer fruit" join with Young's gorgeous illustrations, shocking red raspberries against the bear's black fur, held by its sharp claws, to create a stunning view of the moon bears' world.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Filled with passionate conservation messages, this picture book both celebrates the endangered black moon bear in Southeast Asia and warns about the urgent threats against the species. … Young's dramatic art lends itself to group sharing, and many kids will hear the author's final call.” —Booklist
“The young child will believe the bear is looking directly at them and will soon love moon bears. Young's compelling illustrations fill in what words can only suggest.” —Sacramento Book Review
“How fantastic to know that a percentage of the sales of Moon Bear will help those bears (and, hopefully, others to follow) live surrounded by loving care. They deserve no less. And that the children who read this story may be inspired to protect these carriers of such special crescent moons for years to come.” —Virginia McKenna, actress, Born Free
“This wonderful book lets you and your children share a year with the precious Asiatic Moon Bear. I commend Brenda Guiberson and Ed Young for collaborating on such a vital issue which is so close to my heart and shines a much-needed light on this beautiful but endangered animal. ” —Dr. Katrina Warren, host of Animal Planet's Housecat Housecall
“I knew nothing about moon bears or bear farms when I picked this book up. MOON BEAR is a book that, for young prereaders, will prove a delight at storytime. For older readers, the back matter will very possibly inspire research and lead to subsequent contemplation of the issues involved in the all-too-frequently inhumane exploitation of all God's critters.” —Richie's Picks
“Children will love this book with its stunning images and simple message – that we should value these bears as the majestic animals they were born to be, not because of what they can produce. I'm sure this charming tale will touch many children, instilling in them a love and respect of animals from a very early age.” —Karen Mok, singer and actress
