When I was a child, the Arnold Lobel adventures of Frog and Toad were some of my absolute favourites. Spending time with the two friends brought me so much happiness and I learnt a few things about life and the big wide world along the way. In Cub and Brown, Edwina Wyatt reawakened those fond childhood memories and has introduced a new pairing who everyone will adore. It is summer camp for Cub’s boy scout troop and he is excited to be spending time in the woods and learning everything there is to know about the great outdoors. Cub has lots of tips and skills for surviving in the wild from map reading and fire lighting to raft building and fishing. Like the boy scout motto, he tries to ‘Be Prepared.’ But you cannot be prepared for everything and when Cub meets a bear called Brown he discovers that life, both outdoors and indoors, is full of surprises… Fun, humour, play and good-times are the perfect tonic in a wonderful, life-affirming read that the whole family will enjoy sharing together. Beautifully written, Cub and Brown's timeless exploration of friendship, teamwork and problem solving will have children smiling as they revel in wholesome fun and adults nodding along with the messages and life lessons that are being shared. Told in twelve mini episodes - each presented as a tip for survival (some more practical than others) and loosely based around Cub’s scout rules - this is one-hundred-and-fifty-seven pages of pure, feel-good, heartwarming reading that is guaranteed to leave everyone with that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Overflowing with warmth, irresistibly sweet and utterly charming, Cub and Brown will steal hearts with their gentle friendship and adventurous tales as over one joyous and fun-filled summer the unlikely pair explore the world, embrace everything nature has to offer and experience the highs and lows of life. With kindness by the bucketload, their wonderful friendship helps readers appreciate how to be accepting, understanding and tolerant of others, what it means to be a good friend, how to take risks and challenge fears, and perhaps most importantly, how to have fun (without the need of a screen). Complete opposites of each other: Cub; organised, a planner, meticulous; Brown; messy, a little haphazard, often confused; they are the perfectly imperfect friends. Brown, very much learning to navigate the world with very amusing consequences, Cub the informed child who is more than happy to help out his new friend. These juxtaposing characters deliver delightful moment after delightful moment as they get up to all sorts, Cub regularly coming to the aid of the bewildered/frightened/overwhelmed/excitable Brown. Children will take much enjoyment and amusement from cottoning onto various situations long before Brown and his very literal view of the world, way of thinking and interpreting what is said will invoke many smiles and warm giggles.
Presented as a beautiful hardback and with the most gorgeous cover artwork (be sure to fold covers out to view the full scene), Cub and Brown brings wonder and magic to young lives. Oversized text, generous spacing and splendid black and white illustrations ensure an accessible and wonderful reading experience for all. Whilst we might not all have the fortune of meeting a charming bear, this joyous ode to adventures, both indoors and out, and enjoying the simple things in life is glorious stuff. A short read but one that will remain in hearts and minds long after the last page has been closed. Edwina, the chance to spend more time with Cub and Brown would be warmly welcomed. Recommended for 6+. With huge thanks to Walker for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
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