While trying to reach a honey pot on the mantelpiece, three young bears accidentally break their mother’s prized blue seashell. Fearful of punishment, they leave their house and set out in a small sailboat to find a replacement shell. An old bear directs them to a distant island, but they find no blue shells there. Sailing off again, the unhappy bears encounter a storm. As they bicker about who is to blame for breaking the shell, the sea grows rougher and more frightening. But when each accepts responsibility, the water suddenly calms, and they find themselves near home again. As they reach the shore, they discover the perfect blue shell. Cocreator and illustrator of the Ladybug Girl series, Soman uses color with finesse in a visually impressive picture book that features striking seascapes and three childlike bear cubs. While the artwork is very effective, the rambling narrative doesn’t always flow well. Still, both parents and children will find plenty to enjoy in this beautifully illustrated offering. Preschool-Grade 2. --Carolyn Phelan Это и многое другое вы найдете в книге Three bears in a boat (David Soman)