Look! a Bear! - by Elisa Kleven (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From acclaimed children's author and illustrator Elisa Kleven comes a brand-new picture book about friendship and imaginative play, as a curious rabbit learns that connection can be found in the most unexpected places.

"The whimsical, textured illustrations, with their nods to Beatrix Potter, complement this sweet story that encourages bridging perceived divides via friendship." -- Foreword Reviews

When Remy, a young rabbit, sees a bear cub one morning, he wants to play with her. But Mama and Papa say rabbits don't play with bears. Curious and open-hearted, Remy begins to wonder whether that is really true.

In Look! A Bear!, Remy the rabbit and Bella the bear explore a richly textured natural world, discovering the joy of unexpected friendship. With lush full-color illustrations and a warm-hearted story that inspires curiosity and urges readers at any age to look beyond assumptions, this picture book is perfect for shared reading, classroom conversations, and cozy storytime.

Here's what makes Look! A Bear! special:

- A Warm Friendship Story: A gentle tale about making friends, questioning assumptions, and staying open to connection.

- Beloved Author-Illustrator: Elisa Kleven is the acclaimed creator of more than thirty children's books, including The Paper Princess and Sun Bread.

- Beautiful Visual Storytelling: Expressive illustrations filled with color, texture, and movement invite close looking and repeat readings.

- Supports Social-Emotional Learning: Encourages empathy, curiosity, kindness, and friendship across differences.

Look! A Bear! is a beautifully illustrated picture book about friendship, imagination, and seeing others with an open heart--perfect for young readers ages 4-8.

Review Quotes

"The youths' natural inclination to bond gives this sometimes stern story a kind-hearted afterglow."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Remy is a cheerful little bunny who, though being told that rabbits and bears don't mix, very much wants to befriend the cub he spotted behind a tree. His parents are befuddled by his tendency to now see bears in everything--in the clouds in the sky, in the shape of a rock. But Remy's yearnings are reciprocated: the cub pops up, revealing that she's been dreaming of rabbits, too. The whimsical, textured illustrations, with their nods to Beatrix Potter, complement this sweet story that encourages bridging perceived divides via friendship."-- "Foreword Reviews"

"Look! Elisa Kleven has created a winning picture book, that will stir your imagination and warm your heart!"--Jon Agee, award winning author and illustrator

About the Author

Elisa Kleven writes and illustrates picture books because she's never outgrown her childhood passion for art and storymaking. Having spent much of her childhood creating magical, miniature worlds, Elisa now creates similar worlds inside of her picture books. She is the acclaimed author and/or illustrator of over thirty children's books, including Sun Bread, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, The Paper Princess, and Abuela, by Arthur Dorros. Her books have been included in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and the Reading Rainbow series. Elisa's stories have also been performed as plays and ballets by professional theater and dance companies. To learn more about Elisa and her work, please visit her website: www.elisakleven.com