Bear and Mrs. Duck by Elizabeth Winthrop

Illustrated by Patience Brewster. 32 p., Holiday House, 1988.

When Nora (who is about three or four years old) goes to the store, Mrs. Duck babysits Nora's Bear, who has a cold. Bear has a hard time letting Nora go, and at first refuses to play. Mrs. Duck understands that Bear misses Nora, Bear copes with her by drawing a picture of her. After this, he's able to enjoy playing with Mrs. Duck. In a happy reunion with Nora, Bear acknowledges his fun with Mrs. Duck while emphasizing his special love for Nora. This story shows children that they can love their parents, miss them, and cope with missing them by keeping an image of them close by; and can also enjoy a sitter.

Ages: 2-6
Cultural Context: European American