Mandy Reviews - Wise Bear William: A New Beginning by Arthur Wooten

ISBN #: 978-0983563167

Page Count: 38

Copyright: 2011

Publisher: Galaxias Productions

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

In Wise Bear William: A New Beginning, toys long forgotten in an attic discover that children are coming up to rescue them.

All wanting to be picked, each toy examines their own self-described shortcomings and turn to one another for comfort and advice. But the most important thing they discover is that as much as you fix things up on the outside, it's what's on the inside that really counts.

With an emotional and surprising ending for all the toys, this heartwarming and timeless tale of love and friendship is destined to become a favorite of young and old for years to come.

Mandy's Review:

Oh. My. Goodness ... I am absolutely in love with Wise Bear William: A New Beginning!

As soon as I saw the cover and read the summary on the back, I was hooked. Even though I'm an adult, I still love to read children's stories and look at the illustrations interspersed among the pages to see if they tell a story that really is intended for children. I promise you, this one definitely is.

Even though there's an attic full of toys wanting to be chosen, we meet and get to know four specific characters: Rag Doll Rose, Bean Bag Bunny, Calico Kitty and Wise Bear William. (How cute and precious are those names, I ask you?!) Wise Bear William is the captain of the toys in the attic and is responsible for them. He helps them to clean up and prepare themselves for the children's arrival. During their preparations, the toys (and the reader) get a lesson on what's most important.

The illustrations in this book are whimsical and gorgeous. They are the perfect reflection of the story's vibe and give life to the story in the reader's imagination.

I am not ashamed to admit that I cried a little at the end ... that's how moving this wonderfully written, beautiful story was. I intend to keep this book and re-read it many times over.