“Through a carpet of pine needles and a small hill of moss, twigs, and soil, three shiny black noses push up into the crisp air. Spring has arrived in Alaska.” An appealing account follows two bear cubs and their mother from the time they emerge from the winter den where the cubs were born through spring, summer, and into fall. The cubs and their mother find food and shelter, and practice behaviors that will help the cubs survive and live independently. The inviting text is full of captivating details that will fascinate young animal enthusiasts. Each page spread includes several sentences offset in italics that provide factual information. Pleasing mixed-media illustrations in muted tones have a cozy feel while retaining the sense of realism. A note from the author, a map, and an index round out this introduction to brown bears, a species found in many locations in the northern hemisphere.

Follow two Alaskan cubs through their first year--and learn what it takes for a cub to become a bear--in this engaging picture book written by a noted zoologist.

Through a carpet of pine needles and a small hill of moss, twigs, and soil, three shiny black noses push up into the crisp air.

Spring has arrived in Alaska, and after spending many months hibernating, a brown bear is waking up. She was alone when she fell asleep at the start of winter, but now she is climbing out of her den with a pair of cubs to protect and nurture. As they grow, she will have to teach them how to survive in the wilderness, from climbing trees to foraging berries and nuts to snatching salmon out of the river. Despite their sharp teeth and long claws, grizzly bears' lives aren't so simple, and one day these young bears will be on their own. The lyrical text is beautifully illustrated and threaded through with fascinating facts, while an author's note at the end offers more about brown bears for curious readers.