The Adventures of Old Bo Bear

We checked this book out of our local library a few days ago. As is our usual routine, we read 4 books a night to our almost 3 year old. He immediately said to PLEASE read it again. My husband and I rarely agree on OUR favorite children's book, But We did on this one. I had to find it and order a copy for our home. I hope to read more of Alice Schertle books.

A teddy bear's trip through the washing machine serves as a springboard for a series of adventure. Written in rhyming verse, the story centers on a young boy and his teddy bear named Bo. After the teddy bear loses an ear in the washing machine, the boy's imagination conjures up wild adventures, each describing the circumstances of how Bo lost his ear. Each scenario - pirates, cowboys, construction workers and, finally, astronauts - are often no more than 2-3 pages in length. The charm here is that the book works on many levels. There's the linear story where the boy hides Bo from his mother so that she doesn't return the teddy bear to the washing machine; you have lyrical, rhyming verse that is enjoyable to read again and again; and you have the springboards for deeper stories. Returning to each adventure and studying the illustrations will allow your child to add to the story. Each of my sons has a teddy bear, one is named Sky Bear and the other, simply, Teddy. They nodded as we read the washing machine incident (the loss of Bo's ear) and informed me that shrinkage is another danger teddy bears face in the wash. Rating: 4 stars (not quite a classic, but a great bedtime read).

This is an adorable book, especially for little boys. Our son has been reading it since he was 2. It is a fun story about a little boy making up adventures for himself and his teddy bear. Most importantly is is also very enjoyable for parents to read. Always on our birthday gift list for friends...