Review: Delivery Bear by Laura Gehl

DELIVERY BEAR

by Laura Gehl

Illustrated by Paco Sordo

Albert Whitman Company

Picture Book

ages 3 and up

32 pages

Zogby wants to work for Fluffy Tail Cookies as a delivery animal—but he’s a bear and all the other animals are cute bunnies. Zogby tries to pretend to be a bunny by wearing bunny ears, putting on whiskers, and adding a fluffy tail. But he still scares the customers! When Zogby realizes being himself is best, can he find a way to stand out and get the job?

 MY TIDBITS

Fluffy tails aren't the sweetest thing in this super cute picture book, which holds a beary important message and tons of encouragement.

Zogby is a bear. Since he was a cub, he's wanted to be a delivery bear for Fluffy Tail Cookies. When he sees a help-wanted sign, it appears his dreams have come true. But there's one big problem. Zogby isn't fluffy or cute. When customers scream for help the minute they open their front doors, Zogby realizes his dream might not be attainable after all.

The story in this tale is very simple, and yet, it packs a punch. Zogby is such a sweet, big bear. It's hard not to cheer for him and feel for him as he tries his very best to meet standards that he simply doesn't fit. The solution is inspiring as well as clever and makes the book end on a smile worthy note.

The illustrations fit the tale perfectly and bring each fuzzy character to life. There are a few details but never too many. Rather, the pictures and words flow along nicely, making this a great read aloud. Even when no one is around to read the story, young listeners can pick this one up and 'read' it all on their own.

This is a cute story which is sure to become a favorite.



And here she is...

Laura Gehl is the author of picture books with humor and heart, including ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR, the PEEP AND EGG series, MY PILLOW KEEPS MOVING, and I GOT A CHICKEN FOR MY BIRTHDAY. Her newest book, DELIVERY BEAR, features a bear named Zogby whose dream is to deliver cookies for the Fluffy Tail Cookies Company. Future releases include DIBS! (Lerner), EXCEPT WHEN THEY

DON’T (Little Bee), JUDGE JULIETTE (Two Lions), and the BABY SCIENTIST series (HarperCollins). Laura lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her husband, four kids, and large stash of dark chocolate. So far, she hasn’t had a bear turn up on her doorstep with a box of delicious cookies…but she hasn’t give up hope yet, either.