Go Back to School with Raincoast Books

The Bear’s Surprise by Benjamin Chaud

Ages 3-5  | $23.99

Hibernation is over and Little Bear is ready for another adventure! But where is Papa Bear? Never fear, Little Bear will find him! Follow the curious cub through interactive cutouts on every page of this detail-rich extravaganza: into a bustling forest, deep beneath a mysterious cave, and en route to a rollicking circus in full swing. What will Little Bear discover when he finally locates his high-flying papa? The ultimate showstopping, sweet surprise awaits in this third instalment of Benjamin Chaud’s acclaimed series that includes the New York Times Notable Book The Bear’s Song and The Bear’s Sea Escape.

Detailed illustrations cover page to page in this third instalment in a fun series originally published in France.  Not to spoil the surprise, but each page features surprise cutouts that take little bear from page to page on his journey to find his papa.    

The illustrations are vivid and brightly coloured in way that creates the fun atmosphere one would expect to find at a circus.  This adorable story will be sure to capture the hearts of young readers!

Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Ages 3-5 | $22.50

You would like being friends with Leo. He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can’t even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost.  When a new family moves into his home and Leo’s efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it is time to leave and see the world. That  is how he meets Jane, a kid with a tremendous imagination and an open position for a worthy knight. That is how Leo and Jane become friends. And that is when their adventures begin. This charming tale of friendship-from two of the best young minds in picture books: the author of the Caldecott  Honor-winning Extra Yarn and the illustrator of the Bologna Ragazzi Award-winning Josephine -is destined to become a modern classic that will delight readers for years to come.

I am not sure my 3 year old understands what a ghost is, nevertheless, she didn’t ask and she still loved this title.

The illustrations have such a unique vintage feel to them that I was in love with the book right from page number 1.   Keira got really engaged as we read the story together which means it has made its way into regular rotation.  There are a few themes that I think went right over her head (ghosts, house being broken into by a thief etc…) but she was still able to enjoy the story. 

It’s a cute story and shares the classic message that a real friend will like you for just being you.

Big Bear Little Chair by Lizi Boyd

Ages 3-5 | $22.50

In this artful and deceptively simple book, master book creator Lizi Boyd is at it again. Using her inimitable style to expand upon a familiar concept, she has created a compendium of unexpected opposites that is also a charming and emotionally warm story about Big Bear, little bear, and the stories  that bring them together.

Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Julie Morstad

Ages 5-8 | $23.99

The world is big.
Anna is small.
The snow is
everywhere
and all around.
But one night . . .

One night, her mother takes her to the ballet, and everything is changed. Anna finds a beauty inside herself that she cannot contain. So begins the  journey of a girl who will one day grow up to be the most famous prima ballerina of all time, inspiring legions of dancers after her: the brave, the  generous, the transcendentally gifted Anna Pavlova. Beautiful, inspirational, and triumphant, Anna Pavlova’s life is masterfully captured in this  exquisite picture book.

Pierre the Maze Detective: The Search for the Stolen Maze Stone by Hiro Kamigaki and IC4DESIGN

Ages 8 and up | $26.50

Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you  help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes – and stop Mr X before it’s too late? This beautifully illustrated book features 15  full-spread illustrations of intricate, magical mazes. Take a trip through a fantastic world of underground cities, hot-air balloons, tree-top towns and haunted houses. Trace your way through each maze, spot the clues and solve the extra mystery challenges along the way. Hours of puzzle fun, for all maze detectives aged 8+. A page of answers with the routes through the mazes and other solutions is included at the end of the book.

The Wonderful World Of Pascal: The Very Brave by Magali Le Huche

Ages 4-8 | $16.99

Pascal, the Very Brave Platypus, lives in a most incredible town with his most incredible friends. There’s everyone from Fancy the roller-skating turtle, to Zelda the frog with the underwater trampoline and Ringo, the motor-cycle wearing bear who is the madcap inventor of the Piggy Bouncer. There  are silly carrot recipes, a collections of chewed-up gum, an ant-powered toilet and ever-so-much more crammed onto spreads and spreads of hilariously detailed drawings, maps, illustrations and more . . . everything guaranteed to have Pascal fans poring over for hours and hours . . . and roaring with laughter.

Win it:

One Canadian Frugal Mom Eh reader will win a Raincoast Books prize pack valued at $175.  The Prize pack includes 6 books from Chronicle Books packaged with a Pierre the Maze Detective canvas tote bag. Giveaway ends on August 28th at 11:59 pm EST.  See Giveaway tools form for entry and T&C.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned books in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.