Storytime Saturday a weekly blog feature showcasing any new books we’ve been reading with Erin, reviewing picture books and talking about our monthly library haul! Basically, Storytime Saturday is all about books! This week we’re talking about I am Bear by Ben Bailey Smith and Sav Akyuz. It was published by Walker Books on 5th January 2017.
If there’s trouble, one thing is certain: Bear was there. In (and out) of his outrageous purple outfit, Bear can do anything – steal honey from the bees, do magic tricks, steal doughnuts from a police officer, and annoy a certain pesky squirrel. This hilarious picture book debut of actor Ben Bailey Smith (aka rapper Doc Brown) and artist Sav Akyuz will keep young mischief-makers in stitches.
Normally, I read books to Erin that are not aimed at children her age. She’s nearly 14 months old but I tend to read her picture books aimed at 3 year olds or older. She does have board books but she likes to eat those. I read her older books because she finds them more exciting and more colourful. As picture books go, this is one aimed at children closer to Erin’s age.
The bear in this book is an extremely mischievous bear. I loved him! He’s big and purple and doesn’t like to wear clothes. He likes to play games and get up to no good but have fun at the same time. I really loved reading about such a naughty bear. It made this a fun book for me as well.
The language used throughout the whole book is really nice and simple, which is why I say it is aimed at children close to Erin’s age. There is quite a lot of rhyming and it is fairly fast paced. The bright and bold illustrations fit perfectly.
Erin really enjoyed picking out the bear on each page and she giggled as we were reading. I loved watching her face as we turned the pages. I think this one will be a favourite for quite some time.
Disclaimer: We were sent this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own.