Bear in Love,  Kite Day , Spring Is Here, Mother Goose Picture Puzzles, What a Treasure, Down by the Station, Counting Crocodiles

One morning, the bear finds something just outside his cave. It is orange and long and pointy and has bushy green leaves at one end. And it’s sweet and crunchy! Where did it come from? Did someone leave it for him? Then there are two more of the sweet crunchy things the next morning! The bear knows that someone nice is leaving him these treats. If only he could discover who it is! Should he leave something tasty in return? With the help of Will Hillenbrand’s endearing illustrations, the inimitable Daniel Pinkwater spins a charming little mystery about unexpected kindnesses and finding that extra-special someone.

Bear and Mole build a kite and take it out on a windy day, but when the weather suddenly turns stormy there are unexpected consequences for some birds.

Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. Spring is in the air. Mole can smell it. But Bear is still asleep after his long winter nap. How will Mole wake up Bear so they

Will Hillenbrand

can celebrate together? When a knock, knock, knock and toot, toot, toot can't get Bear out of bed, Mole cooks up a special treat.

Spring fever is catching in this vibrant story of friendship.

Familiar Mother Goose rhymes use pictures in place of words to entertain as they teach.

Mole digs with his new shovel, finding useful things for the other animals and a new friend for himself.

Did you ever wonder who rides the train, early in the morning, before the zoo opens?Shhh. It’s a big secret.Come on down to the train station, climb aboard, and find out!

In this rhymed retelling of a traditional Asian tale, a clever monkey uses her ability to count to outwit the hungry crocodiles that stand between her and a banana tree on another island across the sea.

Websites/Activities:

Newspaper Kites for Kids (for Kite Day)http://www.pbs.org/parents/fun-and-games/activities-and-crafts/kites/

Kite Activity (for Kite Day)http://www.pbs.org/parents/fun-and-games/activities-and-crafts/kites/

Bear Activitieshttp://www.kidzone.ws/lw/bears/activities.htm

Illustration Techniquehttp://www.happybirthdayauthor.com/2011/05/happy-birthday-will-hillenbrand-may-31.html

Book Activities on Will’s Websitehttp://www.willhillenbrand.com/bookactivities.html