The Last Elegant Bear: The Life and Times of Abiner Smoothie

Follow the life and times of Abiner Smoothie as he goes on many adventures. I've had this book ever since I was 4 (I'm 22 now) and it's still one of my favorite books of all time. The text is interesting and novel. The pictures are amazingly complex and beautiful. And every picture has a caption to explain and point out special things in the picture. As a child, and even now, I could spend at *least* 30 minutes looking at this book, reading and examining all the pictures. I think any child would love this book. I'm still in love with it, almost 20 years after receiving it. I understand there's a sequel 'Abiner Smoothie's Journey to the Heart of a Bear', but I haven't read it. Yet!

This beautifully illustrated book is the story of Abiner and his perpetual companion, Puppy (who is a bunny, actually) and the life adventures they have as Abiner grows up. A fun poke at upper crust life - Abiner attends Paws Prep Acadamy, and has a kangaroo for a nanny! The pictures are so colorful and full of detail ! Entertaining enough to keep an adult interested while reading to a child. Charming story and also has a similarly enchanting sequel, "To the Heart of a Bear."