Leola And The Honeybears (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator) "LOOK, GRANDMAMA! LOOK!" Leola sang out as she struggled to pull the biggest, wettest bedsheet from the laundry basket..." (more)
Key Phrases: first being politely, Mama Honeybear, Papa Honeybear, Mister Weasel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Rosales's (A Strawbeater's Thanksgiving) update of a nursery staple features an adventurous African-American girl and her doll. Leola wanders away from her Grandmama and into the Pine Hollow Woods, where she encounters wily Ol' Mister Weasel. Frightened by the meeting, she runs on, until she reaches the empty inn run by the three Honeybears. There Leola sets aside her Grandmama's teachings ("I know my Grandmama said, 'Never help yourself in folks' kitchens until first being politely asked,' but I don't think she'd mind this time") and samples all manner of chairs, snacks and beds before being discovered by a surprised but kindly ursine family. She's then led safely home by a friendly blackbird. Unfortunately, the writing is often hackneyed ("When Leola got her way, she could be sweet as brown sugar. But when she didn't, she could be as stubborn as Grandmama's old mule"), and the representational paintings overdo the facial expressions. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Leola lives with her grandmother near the Pine Hollow Woods, and when she "...got her way, she could be as sweet as brown sugar. But when she didn't, she could be as stubborn as Grandmama's old mule." Readers will empathize with the mischievous, saucy little girl who is brought to life in the sumptuous oil illustrations. In this retelling, Leola has been scared by Ol' Mister Weasel when she takes shelter at the Honeybears' inn, and, although her Grandmama has told her "Never to go into folks' houses...and never help yourself in folks' kitchens...and never, ever sit down and make yourself too comfortable until first being politely asked..." she rationalizes that no one will mind, just this once. Of course, the Honeybears do mind, but all is eventually forgiven, and Mama Honeybear sends Leola home with Miss Blackbird as a guide and a basket of goodies for her Grandmama. The format of this oversized book projects a country-folk look, with full-page illustrations bursting with color facing cream-and-yellow pinstriped pages of text with an occasional small oval scene. The story reads well and the whole endeavor radiates warmth and love. Leola is a memorable character and deserves to keep company with Mary Hoffman's Amazing Grace and Patricia McKissack's Mirandy on library shelves.
Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590383582
• ISBN-13: 978-0590383585
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #212,367 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SIMPLY A WONDERFUL BOOK, June 15, 2001

By A Customer

First I must say 5 stars do not do this book justice. I read this book to my Kindergarten class and ALL were enraptured by this wonderful retelling of a classic fairy tale. They wanted to hear it over and over. It was such a popular book among my grade level collegues that the school librarian requested the ISBN number to order a copy for the entire school. I must say this book deserves 10 stars.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MY CHILDREN LOVE THIS STORY, March 1, 2000

By	Theresa M. Ward (CT, USA) - See all my reviews

I Must have read this book a few dozen times to my girls. Each one has there favorite part. Like "ole Mister Weasle" The pictures are beautiful. Each of my girls can see herself in the main character "Leola". Each time they read it they hang on every word. I also made up special voices for the characters. You will not be let down if you purchase this book.Theresa 2000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Down home story-telling, October 28, 2001

By A Customer

This book is a wonderful addition to your home library whether you have a youngster or not. My 3-year-old daughter actually received this book as a present from her nana and made her read it about 5 times that same evening. It is a delightful re-telling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that you don't mind reading over and over again (as most children insist that you do). The southern flavor and colorful pictures make it a very unique treasure. Not to mention that now the typical blond and blue-eyed Goldilocks is now a bright-eyed, brown-skinned beautiful little girl whom my daughter can better relate to. A definite must have!