sweet treat: color bears by judy palaferro!

Attention babies, toddlers, munchkins, rugrats, teddy bears and short grown-ups! There’s a new board book out just for you!

As soon as Color Bears* by Judy Palaferro (Umbrage Books, 2010) appeared in the alphabet soup kitchen, the resident bears were all over it. They sniffed, licked, hugged, stroked, marveled and giggled with glee over all the cool artwork. Once they settled down, Cornelius read the book aloud.

This whimsical, well-designed, innovative visual treat consists of twelve color-themed spreads — bold black-and-white patterned illos on the left (just right for infants learning to focus), and different bear characters in various landscapes on the right (sure to delight curious toddlers).

From Sunny Yellow Bears (check out those fun faces) to Sleepy Black Bears (moon and stars goodnight), these adorable fellows prove they know exactly how to play, entertain, and amuse. Some appear as funky sunglasses, others bob around in the pool, still others take the form of sweet edibles (lollipop and cupcake). Yum.

Who can resist these Growing Green Bears on a stem?

Or this lovable Snowy White Bear?

I love all the patterns (some are mesmerizing!) — great stimulation via shape, line, contrast and movement, each a perfect complement to its corresponding color bear. I also like that the scenes include land and sea, city and country, indoors and outdoors, and that the book’s appeal extends to infants, toddlers, and beginning readers. Oh, did I mention there’s candy and cocoa? ☺

So, if you’ve got a little one underfoot this summer, or need a birthday, baby shower, or “just because” gift, reach for Color Bears. The alphabet soup teddies give this fab creation five paws up — and we’d like to extend our Big Congratulations to Judy Palaferro on publishing her first children’s book! Yay! ((judy))

COLOR BEARS by Judy Palaferro
published by Umbrage Books, May 2010
Board Book for ages 3 months to 3 years
Trim size: 6″ x 6″, 28 pp.
*Environmentally bear friendly, inspires hugs

♥ Check out the publisher’s webpage for more Color Bears spreads!