Fridays have been hectic for me (thanks to work), so remembering to do things when my brain is fried is not my strong point.  That being said, I had every intention of posting this entry last Friday and forgot.  SO here it is a few days late.  AND I pick one of my latest “favorite of all time” picture book finds. 

Title: Mother Bruce

Written and Illustrated By: Ryan T. Higgins

Disney Hyperion, Fiction, November 24, 2015

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: problem solving, communication, humor, blended family, adoption

Opening: “Bruce was a bear who lived all by himself.  He was a grump.  He did NOT like sunny days.  He did NOT like rain.  He did NOT like cute little animals.  He only liked one thing–eggs!”

Brief Synopsis: Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he’s their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can’t seem to rid himself of his new companions. What’s a bear to do?

Links To Resources: It was hard to find activities for such a new book, but with a little creativity I found some great egg recipes that kids can make here: http://www.kidspot.com.au/funzone/Cook-5-egg-cellent-egg-recipes-for-kids-to-cook+6988+569+article.htm

Why I Like This Book: First, as an adult who works with kids, I could totally relate to the “having a grumpy day and these kids won’t leave me alone” bits in the book.  The goslings follow Bruce everywhere and persist in staying.  Second, the sly sense of humor (that both adults and kids like) had me giggling like mad (my number one favorite thing to do when reading any picture book).  And the illustrations are amazing (SUCH cute goslings and SUCH a grumpy bear).