One afternoon on a father-son bike ride, Teddy goes a little too fast and ends up falling and scraping his arm on the sidewalk. Bear is also hurt, with his stuffing spilling out at the seams. After Daddy patches up Teddy, Teddy mends Bear with band-aids—but it proves to be only a temporary fix. On the way home from the park, they stop and see Teddy’s grandfather, who carefully mends Bear with a needle and thread. These tender scenes offer an opportunity for kids and adults to discuss the power of passing kindness down through generations and illustrate the concept that our actions matter deeply to other people.

Smith’s action-packed illustrations show Teddy and his dad as they start their day, prepare lunch on the grill, race cars, and head out on their adventure. Wearing a bright yellow helmet with green spikes on top, Teddy tears down the sidewalk on his tricycle with button-eyed Bear in his handlebar basket, a cloud of dust behind him. Most powerful is the consistently understanding expression on Daddy’s face, creating a warm and safe place for Teddy to land when he inevitably falls. Ultimately this wholesome story showcases a good-natured version of masculinity that feels both refreshing and vital.

Takeaway: A young bear learns from his father to be a gentle, loving caretaker..

Comparable Titles: Terry Border’s Big Brother Peanut Butter, Anna McQuinn’s Lola Reads to Leo,

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A