Little Honey Bear and the Smiley Moon (bilingual Chinese-English)

Gillian Lobel, illustrated by Gillian Lobel. Little Honey Bear ventures out into a sparkly wintry night with Lily Long Ears and Teeny Tiny Mouse, hoping to meet the bright and shiny moon. They set off for the horizon on their moonpath, although their journey is impaired by snow, wind, and a darkening sky. Teeth chattering, the shivering friends plod forward through the shadows as the night becomes forbidding and they realize that they are lost. Just as the moon's silvery light floods the woods, Mommy Bear appears and saves them. Over honey cakes and warm milk, she explains that there is no need for them to go to the moon–she is all around them. This beautifully illustrated tale includes glittery spreads of the snowy woods and the ambitious but apprehensive travelers. The charming, ultimately warm and comforting story is a tad long for storytime and is probably best suited for one-on-one sharing. Ages 4-8. Paperback. Simplified Chinese characters and English. 26 pages. 2006.