Kuma-Kuma Chan's Travels by Kazue Takahashi
The illustrations are wonderful simplified shapes and are done in sweet pastels that visually reinforce the quiet world of this charming little bear. Though it's the third book in the series, it stands alone, but it's a great reason to check out the other two. A delightful, engaging book for a broad audience, an effective form of stress reduction, and a catalyst for readers' own imaginary travels - all in an irresistibly wee package - Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review Kuma-Kuma Chan flies off to a south sea isle where he lies in the sun and drifts into a lazy snooze. He climbs to the summit of a mountain and views the sunrise while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Instead of physically setting out for one place or another, Kuma-Kuma travels freely all over the world - inside his head. Kuma-Kuma Chan charms as he exemplifies the joy of a simple, peaceful, life. With its spare text and delightful illustrations, this small-format picture book invites readers to explore their own imaginations and create their own travels. AGES: 3 to 5 AUTHOR: Kazue Takahashi is a Japanese illustrator and children's book author whose debut book Kuma-Kuma Chan was published in Japan in 2001. She has since authored several other books for children and contributed her illustrations to books by other authors.