You're a Genius, Blackboard Bear [Hardcover]

Martha Alexander (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Blackboard Bear

Anthony and his chalk friend, Blackboard Bear, make their preparations for a trip to the moon, in the first full-color entry in the popular Blackboard Bear series.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Alexander's (Even That Moose Won't Listen to Me; A You're Adorable) fourth tale featuring the endearing Anthony and his wise bear pal is a charmer. At bedtime, the boy expresses interest in going to the moon, but his father doesn't know how to build a spaceship. But in the middle of the night, Blackboard Bear steps off the chalkboard and begins to assemble the craft they need to reach the moon. As the two load all the necessary provisions-sleeping bag, snowsuit, water and food-Anthony asks a pivotal question: "Do you think there are any monsters on the moon? You don't really know?" He then decides that there might not be enough room for him in the spaceship, and sweetly sends the bear on his way ("Be careful now. Don't bump into any stars"). On the following spread, Blackboard Bear climbs back through the window into Anthony's room, where he places a glowing star on the sleeping boy's bed. Readers expecting an adventure may be disappointed that, after all the buildup, they never do get to witness the bear's journey into space. But Alexander's unadorned narrative and her delicate pencil-and-watercolor art complement each other splendidly, creating a soothing bedtime tale. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?Anthony wishes he could go to the moon, but his dad can't build a spaceship. Blackboard Bear, of course, knows just what to do; thus, he and Anthony create the perfect craft and pack it with food, water, and other necessities. Worrying that they might find monsters on the moon, however, Anthony decides he'd better stay behind. While he snuggles into bed safe and warm with his teddy, Blackboard Bear ventures into orbit, returning with a souvenir star for his earthbound friend. As with her earlier "Blackboard Bear" stories, Alexander has created a gentle tale in which a young boy's thirst for adventure is fulfilled by his imaginary friend's bravado, allowing the child to remain within the security of his own home. Her trademark spare text and soft, pastel watercolor illustrations add just the right touch to this tale of fantasy and friendship. A story that will delight young listeners, this is destined to take its place with Frank Asch's Moon Bear (Scribners, 1978; o.p.) as an early childhood favorite.?Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1st edition (April 3, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564022382
• ISBN-13: 978-1564022387
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,876,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute Story, Easy to Read, July 27, 2004

By 

Allison Wiener "teachergrl" (Medina, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You're a Genius, Blackboard Bear (Hardcover)

I like the fact that there's text on some pages, but not on others. Where there is text, it's simple enough for a beginning reader to read with little help. On other pages, you have to look carefully at the pictures to see what's going on.

I especially love the last page of this book... and you'll have to buy it to see why! This is one I'd love to use in a classroom, asking students to describe what is happening on the pages where we're not given any word clues.