May 15, 2020
There's a time to speak softly--and a time to speak out. Sasha the bear is peaceable, and like any good bear, she enjoys a good nap. And what better place for a bear to slumber than a serene, grassy meadow in a vibrant forest? Unfortunately, when "great yellow beasts [tear] into the meadow," Sasha and the other animals fear their home and tranquility might be destroyed. Can the animals save the day? Sasha offers to roar at them, but the animals decide to try other strategies. The bluebird sings to the beasts, which children will of course recognize as bulldozers and diggers; the rabbit tries to distract them by thumping the ground; the deer tries to lead them away from the forest. All is to no avail--the beasts are making too much noise to pay attention. But Sasha's anger rises, and she approaches the beasts to roar, "fill[ing] the meadow with her bellow," driving the beasts away. Cole delivers an environmental tale that is sweet, cheerful, and empowering--if simplistic--offering a meaningful message in just the right language for young listeners and learners. Gibson's use of color and light to distinguish the quiet from the bold helps Cole's story when it's time for Sasha to deliver her big moment. Should spark budding activists and little bears everywhere. (Picture book. 4-8)
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August 1, 2020
K-Gr 4-Although the ending is a little vague, this story of speaking up at the right time has merit. Sasha the bear's favorite place in the world is the meadow in the forest. One day large yellow creatures (bulldozers or backhoes) come and start destroying the forest, but when Sasha goes to roar and stop them, the squirrel says that is not the way. Every forest animal tries to stop the machines, but only when Sasha finds her roar do the yellow creatures leave. Or, it's the end of the day and time for the workers to go home. Cole has created a beautiful tale of our world and the occasional need to act independently. The plot is not complex and the vocabulary used is simple, with the actions described being shown through detailed illustrations. VERDICT Cole and Gibson have woven a tale that is not just about protecting nature, but also about working with others so that every voice is heard. A solid tale.-Margaret Kennelly, Urbana-Champaign, IL
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