Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend - by Bob Shea (Hardcover)

About the Book

Two turtles, one masquerading as a bear and the other a self-proclaimed bear expert, become friends after a day of bear-adjacent activities.

Book Synopsis

Fall in love with a turtle wearing a bear suit--determined to prove that he's a "for-real" bear--in this laugh-out-loud silly friendship story from the award-winning Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur VS. series and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great

3 starred reviews! "Fresh, expressive, and wildly colorful." (Booklist starred review)

When a turtle in a bear suit claims he is a "for-real" bear, he must prove himself to another turtle who just so happens to be a for-real bear expert. Hilarity ensues as Bearsuit Turtle proves he can climb trees, hibernate, and do other for-real bear stuff . . . like riding bikes, eating ice cream, and smashing pumpkins.

But when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle has to admit a truth of his own. Whether or not these two turtles are for-real bears or experts, they just might become for-real friends.

With a fabulously endearing, offbeat, and memorable new character; playful, true-to-life child dynamics; and a goofy, kid-perfect sense of humor, Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend is sure to charm readers everywhere. Includes a page of "for-real bear facts" at the end.

Review Quotes

"All's well that ends well in this book that will stand up to multiple read-alouds."

--Horn Book Magazine

***STARRED REVIEW***
"[R]aw, comedic immediacy...an impish delight that's certain to tickle readers"--Publisher Weekly

***STARRED REVIEW***
"Shea...understands the power of subversive humor and honest truth. Combining the two makes the first of this new series a laugh-out-loud romp that won't just have kids giggling: It will have them begging for a reread. Shea's spare, colorful art and conversational text work in perfect unison...This is a must for librarians, teachers and parents looking for a delightful read-aloud to add to their collection. More, please!"--BookPage

***STARRED REVIEW***
"While Shea's humor is very much on a child's wavelength, adults reading the book aloud will also enjoy the two characters' conversations. Fresh, expressive, and wildly colorful...A somewhat wacky and completely enjoyable picture book."--Booklist

"A quirky and sweet animal friendship story with special appeal for fans of the author's other books."--School Library Journal

"The text is ideal for reading aloud and laughing along with, while the visual gag builds into a sweet relationship. An amiable romp, funny to look at and fun to read."--Kirkus Review

About the Author

Bob Shea has written and/or illustrated over 20 picture books including the popular Dinosaur Vs. series, Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great, and the Ballet Cat early readers series. His most recent picture book, Chez Bob, received three starred reviews, with Booklist calling it "terrifically funny and surprisingly sweet." Bob's characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids.