«“A special story about a beautiful friendship between a girl and her teddy bear…. Caldecott winner Santat’s digitally rendered illustrations in watercolor pencil explode with character and warmth.... Enthusiastic children will want to share stories about their own favorite cuddles with this sure winner.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “This has the vintage sweetness of The Velveteen Rabbit and the contemporary heart of Toy Story, and it would make a gentle read in a teddy bear storytime or as a gift—accompanied, of course, by a stuffie for the recipient. ” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “In this ode to the timelessness of cherished playthings, a toy bear accompanies a child through myriad experiences…. Will have adults and young readers alike reflecting on the indispensable natures of their own favorite stuffies.” — Kirkus Reviews “Stutzman’s declarative sentences are packed with meaning, which Santat explores through the loving relationship between the characters in his expressive watercolor, pencil, and Photoshop illustrations. The spare text allows for visual creativity… [which] makes the impact of the final surprise reveal all the sweeter, and upon rereading reinforces an appreciation for the larger-than-life presence favorite toys can have in our lives.” — Horn Book Magazine “There’s real poetry in the declamatory, rhythmic text and a lovely, everyday magic in Bear and the child’s easygoing, unconditional connection.” — Publishers Weekly Praise for THE NIGHT IS FOR DARKNESS: “A beautiful bedtime story with a lilting text to lull little ones to sleep.” — School Library Journal “Lovely lilting language [and] soothing reassurances render the night magical and moving home an adventure in this sweetheart of a bedtime tale.” — Kirkus Reviews “Stutzman’s rhyming tribute to the magic of nighttime… feel[s] like a lullaby, delivering a hypnotic effect that will engage young readers while lulling them to sleep.” — ALA Booklist “This offering is couched in reassurance and comfort.” — Publishers Weekly»