Tacos

by Frank Asch

Baby Bear tries tacos for the first time in this relatable and brightly illustrated picture book by celebrated and award-winning author-illustrator Frank Asch.

When Baby Bear goes on a business trip with Poppa Bear, he worries about being far away from home—from Mama, from his comfy bed, from his yummy food. When Poppa suggests trying tacos for the first time, Baby Bear isn’t sure he’ll like them. Will he be brave enough to try something new?

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Travel, Childrens

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Frank Asch is an American children's writer, best known for his Moonbear picture books.

Asch published his first picture book, George's Store, in 1968. The following year he graduated from Cooper Union with a BFA. Since then he has taught at a public school in India, as well as at a Montessori school in the United States, conducted numerous creative workshops for children. He has written over 60 books, including Turtle Tale, Mooncake, I Can Blink and Happy Birthday Moon. In 1989 he wrote Here Comes the Cat! in collaboration with Vladimir Vagin. The book was awarded the Russian National Book Award and was considered the first Russian-American collaboration on a children's book.

Asch lived in Somerville, New Jersey where he and his wife home-schooled their son Devin.

He currently lives in Vermont with his wife, Jan.

Reviews

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Baby Bear goes on a business trip with Poppa Bear, he worries about being far away from home--from Mama, from his comfy bed, from his yummy food. When Poppa suggests trying tacos for the first time, Baby Bear isn't sure he'll like them. Will he be brave enough to try something new?"--

[Kelly]

It has its moments. I wish we had gotten more sensory information or anything about why Baby Bear liked the tacos. One moment he hasn't tried them and the next he loves them. I wish we had read more about the experience.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: One day Papa Bear came home from work and announced, "Good news! My boss is sending me to Arizona next week on a business trip, and I can bring my family." "Wonderful!" said Mama Bear. "But I can't go. I have to prepare for the library book sale."

Premise/plot: Papa Bear takes Baby Bear to Arizona with him on a business trip. On the trip, Baby Bear tries his first taco. And it is LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Life-changing love and obsession. Baby Bear loves tacos so much he never wants to leave. Papa Bear reassures him that they can continue to eat tacos once they return home. They can even make tacos at home.

My thoughts: I too LOVE tacos. The story is taco-themed which may be enough for some readers. I am not familiar with Frank Asch and his Bear characters. I know that this book is part of a larger body of work. This one may offer some nostalgia for the illustrations and characters for those that are familiar with the Bear family.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My young daughter recommended this book to review out of many choices. She loves it! It is a repeat read. We especially love the page where the tacos are swirling around the small bear in his lime green pajamas. I really enjoy how Baby Bear learns he can make restaurant food at home.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baby Bear gives tacos a try for the first time.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second star added, because i relate to baby bear, Tacos are delish!