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Readers review "Four Bears in a Box"

 
  Reviewed By Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers’ Favorite

Beyond the interesting celebrity connection, there is a fascinating  backstory to Four Bears in a Box, written by Dreama Denver and  illustrated by Ashley Belote. Although not necessary for appreciating  the highly polished rhyming scheme and exquisitely created art partnered to tell a most imaginative and heart-warming story,  learning that the tale itself was developed by a mother seeking in-depth  communication with her autistic son, however, does further deepen such  appreciation. Any person with 

even a tangential experience of familial autism will immediately feel the comforting  embrace of a book dedicated to: “… those of you who get lost 

in the  beauty of imagination.” Should I mention this is a children’s book? 

No, I  do not believe that’s necessary.
 

Four Bears in a Box begins, intriguingly enough, with three bored little  bears wanting something new and adventurous to do. I am sure the target  of this story must have raised his hand forthwith and authoritatively  declared, “But, there’s only 3 bears!” And just like that, any child - or more-than-clever adult – would instantly  be hooked on this book. Dreama Denver and Ashley Belote are (the pun  cannot be avoided) a Dream Team. Ms. Denver’s perfectly-chosen words not  only compel attention and inspire the imagination, but Ms. Belote’s detailed artwork heightens and expands both into a  wonderfully embracing experiment of unlimited, uncontrollable fun. In a  box. In the garage. Who knew? Apparently, Dreama Denver … and her son. Finally, in the interest of full disclosure: Yes, there is a fourth bear. 

But then, that just had to be the case, right?