Bear's Day Out — Michael J. Rosen

Bear is content to spend his days singing to himself and wading playfully through the water in his cave by the sea. Then one day, he hears the noises of the city traveling on the wind, and his curiosity to experience big city life compels him to visit. At first, the sights and smells are new and exciting. But when the hustle and bustle of the people, the markets, and the traffic all become too much for Bear, it will take a little bit of kindness from strangers to get him back home again. Michael Rosen's rhythmic text and Adrian Reynolds's lively illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for story time.