The Bear Out There

In her sophomore outing, Hannigan (Spider in the Well) combines snappy dialogue, an intriguing narrator, and bold acrylic and paper-collage images that build to a wild fairy tale twist. The reader immediately becomes enmeshed in the story, knocking at the door of a forest cottage—an action that is greeted by a horrified wail (“AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”). The cry is emitted from inside the dwelling by a pale-skinned, red-haired child sporting a green jumper. “Oh, sorry about that, I thought you were someone else,” the child says matter-of-factly, beginning an irresistible sales pitch: “You look very smart and reasonable, much like myself.” Making the reader “promise not to scream,” the child reveals what they are hiding from: “I know for a fact that there is a BEAR out there.” Sounds are heard outside, and the noisemaker is divulged, leading to further revelations about the scenario. It’s an enjoyable surprise of an antihero tale that delivers snark, readerly snorts, and the delicious reassurance of learning that however persuasive the child’s patter is, something that initially seems frightening turns out not to be scary at all. Ages 4–8. Agent: Hannah Mann, Writers House. (Apr.)