This book I really enjoyed, it really sparked my interest. I hope that many people read this book and enjoy it, like I did.

I read to children weekly at Border's Bookstore and they love this book! It is so much fun to read and the children really get involved in the dilemma the boy has: trying to repair the bear's toothache. The portrayal of Dad is hilarious and all too familiar to parents. It is a delightful book your child will not soon forget!

We accompanied Juancho, our two and a half year old kid, to his dentist last week and we chanced upon this great children's book by David M. McPhail aptly titled, "The Bear's Toothache" on the dentist's book shelf.

The book, richly illustrated by the author, is about a boy who cannot not go to sleep. He finds a bear with a toothache outside his window and lets him in. What follows is a hilarious sequence as the boy proceeds to help the bear remove the aching tooth. They raid the refrigerator and knock over a lamp that sends the father to the room to investigate. Still sleepy, Dad doesn't see the bear hiding under the bed. Finally, the bear jumps off the window ledge with a rope tied around the tooth. The scheme is a success and the bear leaves the tooth to the boy for him to keep under his pillow. What a riot.

After reading the book, we laughed aloud with Juancho who by that time was all set for his own adventure with the dentist.

Buy this book. Buy it new, buy it used, buy it for your friends, buy it for your enemies. Petersen has written a thoughtful and thorough examination of recent grizzly bear management policies (or lack thereof) in the San Juans of Colorado. The book is a pleasure to read.

As someone who occasionally sees grizzers on his property, I can't conceive of living in an environment that doesn't have a population of apex predators to keep things interesting. Petersen masterfully chronicles how government funded assassins with the support of short-sighted local ranching communities and clumsy land managers, managed to kill virtually every grizzly in Colorado. He also accurately details how Western ranchers have come to view public lands with more than a sense of ownership but rather with a sense of absolute entitlement. This has led them to run their stock on federal land at ridiculously cheap rates, ignore even the most commonsense principles of husbandry, and push bears and wolves into the zoos and picture books while trying to keep everyone else out. Also to blame are the Baby Huey-like semi-rich, who hack 20 acre ranchettes out of the diminishing habitat and in the process are strangling the thing they profess to love most.

Petersen manages to stay somewhat balanced, using an essay by the outspoken and bearlike Doug Peacock to say what is probably really on his mind regarding sheep ranchers and development dingbats. In the course of researching the book, Peterson also forges unlikely friendships with former (but not reformed) professional and amateur bearslayers , including Ed Wiseman, who killed the last known Colorado grizz in hand to hand combat in 1979.

There is the general belief in the book that the great bear still lives in the San Juans but has become more nocturnal and reclusive as it adapts to its shrinking habitat. There are certainly drainages wild enough to support a grizz but I personally don't believe there are any left. My heart tells me that any state with a wildlife management policy as pathetic and dumbheaded as Colorado's can't have allowed for even a single surviving great bear. Also, I am reminded of a story in Scott Weidensaul's recent (and excellent) book on vanishing species entitled "The Ghost With Trembling Wings." Weidensaul tells the story of an animal who escapes from a European zoo and whose likeness is posted on the news. Consequently, hundreds of eyewitness calls come flooding in from all over the country, each caller claiming to have personally seen the critter. It turns out that the koala had actually been run over by a train several hundred yards from the zoo immediately after escaping. Weidensaul's point is that people WANT to believe something so badly, they convince themselves of its existence. And I'm afraid that is what we are doing with the Colorado grizzly.

My copy of this book is dog-eared and worn-out after all my readings of it and loaning it to others! David Peterson is one interesting writer. I had visited the San Juan Mountains prior to reading this book and explored the area where the Wiseman grizzly was killed. At the time I thought the Wiseman griz was the last in Colorado. This book inspired me to return and do a little searching of my own. Found some bear sign but was really amazed by how spectacular the high San Juans are in July. I think this book needs another postscript wherein "the search for survivors" is updated!

This book is one of the best books I've ever read. David Petersen does a fantastic job of educating the reader while involving them in some exciting adventures. While searching for grizzlies in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, David fills you in on grizzly natural history, the history of the San Juans, and the need for preserving wilderness in North America. This is a must have book for all who are interested in grizzly bears, the Rockies, wilderness, and the outdoors in general.

As an elementary educator, I highly recommend this book for both teachers and parents of young children. The power of reading over watching television has substantial research and ultimately confirms that reading is a powerful tool. David McPhail is my hero when it comes to writing and illustrating text. His delightful message is not only for Emma the bear, but for all children. Read Read Read.

David McPhail's "Fix-It" is a charming way to introduce reading to beginning or relunctant readers. Emma wakes up one morning to find the television set not working. Her dad, mom and even the repairman are unable to fix it. When the T.V. problem is finally solved, Emma no longer cares. She has found an equally enjoyable activity, reading a book. Although this book could be considered a "baby book" by more "experienced" readers, preschoolers should be able to find this book appealing. The message that the book is trying to get across to children is great. The illustrations are soft and help tell the story accurately. This book has charm and should be enjoyed by a variety of children.

David McPhail's Fix-it! is a charming book. The illustrations are clear; the text is simple. It is good for pre-readers and beginning readers. The book promotes reading with your children.

We borrowed this book from the library and I must buy a copy for my 3yr old. He loves it. The illustrations are unique and so pleasing to the eye. They are a little abstract but not too much so you can't see what is being conveyed.

Henry builds a cabin but his friends doesn't think it's big enough. Henry says it's big enough for all kinds of things. In the end, you find out what the cabin is perfect for.

Delightful read and a sure bet for a Baby Shower Gift!

I'm 12 but I really like this picture book. I learned a lot about what Henry Thoreau was trying to do when he built a cabin by Walden Pond, and it was fun learning it through this book. The illustrations are funny and I like how Henry solves his problems. I also like Henry Hikes to Fitchburg, which is even funnier because Henry makes his friend learn a lesson in a funny way. I also recommend another great book about Henrey Thoreau, that especially girls of all ages will like, Louisa May and Mr. Thoreau's Flute. It talks about how Henrey Thoreau helped Louisa May Alcott learn to like the outdoors and learn to like writing. Henry's funny in that book too so I think readers will like it too.

Henry, a sturdy looking bear wearing a large hat and workclothes, is building a cabin in the woods. He borrows an ax and cuts down twelve trees for framing, buys an old shed, takes it apart and uses the wood for the walls and floor. He builds a front door, finds two used windows and some old shingles for the roof. As he's building, friends stop by to look at the cabin and check on his progress. Emerson comments that it seems too small to eat in. "It's bigger than it looks," replies Henry and shows him his garden out back. "When it's finished, this will be my dining room." Friend, Alcott thinks the cabin will be too dark to read in, but Henry shows him a sunny spot right outside. "This will be my library." And when Miss Lydia shows concern that there won't be room for dancing, Henry shows her the pathway down to the pond, his grand stairway to the ballroom. On July 4th, Henry's cabin is finished and he moves in. He eats in the "dining room", reads in the "library" and dances in his "ballroom". When it begins to rain, he hurries back to his cabin, where in a very wise and amusing way he shows us that his new home is just perfect..... D.B. Johnson is back with a marvelous sequel to his award winning first picture book, Henry Hikes To Fitchburg, based on the life of Henry David Thoreau. His simple and inspiring text is sure to be a springboard to interesting and thoughtful discussions. What does a home really need, and how big does it have to be? Mr Johnson's creative and expressive, light-filled illustrations enhance the story beautifully, and capture the imagination. With an author's note at the end "About Henry's Cabin", to help fill in the details of how and why Thoreau built his cabin, its cost, and his two years living at Waldens Pond, Henry Builds A Cabin is an engaging and unique little treasure youngsters 4-8 shouldn't miss. "Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and are actually though needlessly poor all their lives because they think they must have such a one as their neighbors have."

Okay, so I'm the author reviewing my own book. I know. Let's say I'm giving the ILLUSTRATIONS five stars. And I just wanted to say that the debate about Big Bear is raging from Europe to the US. Is Big Bear Little Bear's big brother - in which case the small dude's taunting is regrettable indeed! - or is he Little Bear's long suffering DAD, a character so lovingly responsive to taunts from junior? This second was my intention. The dad from Texas thought so as well, but not the Library reviewer. Maybe you'll decide for yourself. If you do, let me know.

Baby bear is left with dad and he entices and encourages his dad to do more and more....a delightful story that highlights the wonderful ability children have to sucker us in to their way of thinking.

My 3.5 yr old little boy loves this book. Mama Polar Bear is busy making a surprise for Polar Bear Claude but he wakes from him nap and thinks she doesn't love him anymore because she's too busy to give him a cuddle! Little does he know until the end that she is making him a surprise and that his Grandma Polar Bear is coming for a visit.

Adorable story - heartwarming illustrations.

My three year old daughter always asks me to read this to her. Are you a busy parent who doesn't always have time when your preschooler wants you to play with them? Then you will relate to Claude's mom as she tries to pull off a suprise party for Claude the polar bear. Mom tries to direct Claude to various activities as she attempts to get ready but time goes slowly for Claude who only wants to spend time with his mommy. Eventually Claude gets tired of waiting and when he decides that mom is so busy and she does not love him anymore he runs away to the garden. A happy ending occurs when Claudes grandmother shows up for the party and Claude sees what his mother has really been up to. Busy parents can relate to Claude's mom dilema of having things to do while wanting to spend time with their child while preschoolers can emphasize with Claudes impatience. The illustrations are so adorable and wait till you see what Claude's mom fixes to eat at the party, yum! A great story to enjoy with your child. I recommend it to all.

My daughter received this book from my sister-in-law when she was born. It has been her favorite for awhile! It is a simple book to read, short and very sweet! A good book for parents who like to read to their children. My little Emma just loves it!! :o)

My daughter loves Emma's Pet. When I read it to her, I substitute her name for Emma's name and her cat's name for the cat character's name. At the end of the book where Emma hugs her daddy, my daughter gets up from my lap and gives me a hug. My daughter is 19 months old. Next to "Guess How Much I Love You" it is my favorite book -- and it is one of her favorites too.

This is a great book! And like so many of David McPhails books, it's worth buying the hardcover. Who's lost, the boy or the bear? A friendship develops while trying to find the way home. McPhail does a wonderful job covering the topic of being lost.

Great book! McPhail does a wonderful job with the topic of being lost. A boy, a bear, friendship and finding the way home. I enjoyed it as much as my child.

My grandson, who is six, especially enjoyed the arithmetic lesson in this book, as Henry's friend adds up his earnings steadily. He was also interested in seeing which bear got to Fitchburg first. The illustrations are charming, and the story wears well for repeated reading. As for the references to the Alcotts and Emerson and Henry the Bear's likemindedness with Henry David Thoreau, that's just an extra for adults.

3 to 8 yrs. Some may find this book objectionable in that they may believe that its underlying message for children is 'work is bad.' But that doesn't seem to be the author's intent. It seems to be more observational then as a teaching tool.

Based on a passage from Henry David Thoreau's Walden, the story is about Henry--the main animal character (bear?) in the story--and his friend, who decide to go to Fitchburg. Henry chooses to walk the 30 miles, while his friend plans to work, so that he can earn enough money to ride the train. We then bounce from character to character to witness what they are experiencing in their quest to get to Fitchburg.

Good illustrations, and interesting story providing ample discussion material for parents and children, about the different meanings this story possess.

This is a wonderful picture book about two bears who both want to reach Fitchburg, a town thirty miles away. Henry decides to walk, and his friend decides to do odd jobs around town in order to earn money for the train fare. The reader can decide with the turn of every page which bear is enjoying the journey more. A great book about how the journey is as important as reaching the destination. Also a note on the the origin of the story and Henry David Thoreau. Great illustrations as well.

This reprint from the original 1951 Growl Bear by Margot Austin is delightfully illustrated by David McPhail. McPhail's soft illustrations lead the reader to believe that all will be well, despite any doubts that arise while reading the text. Growl Bear cannot communicate his desire to make friends, all the other forest creatures are afraid he will bite them, for all he can do is growl "Gr-r-r-r-r". The little bear attempts to seek help from the wise Old Owl, who misunderstands and makes matters even worse for Growl Bear. Finally, Growl Bear is reduced to tears. Fortunately wise Old Owl lives up to his name and figures out that poor little Growl Bear isn't trying to scare the others with his "Gr-r-r-r-r", but he is just so very little that he hasn't learned to talk yet! And with a happy smile, all is made well. This is a good book for anyone, of any age, who may have a problem with communication.

I really loved this book, not just for children, I thought it was great, too. The storyline was thought-provoking and the illustrations were so cute! Although I bought this book for my niece, I am planning to buy another copy for my own collection of children's animal storybooks. Definitely can recommend this colorful book and the lesson it teaches is a good one as well.

Little Bear seems to have trouble making friends simply because he growls his greetings to them. After a visit to the wise Old Owl, however, his problem gets solved in a very delightful way. This book tells a wonderful story about communication, has beautiful watercolor illustrations and is a terrific read-a-loud for ages 3 to 6.