First Star: A Bear and Mole Story

Bear and Mole

by Will Hillenbrand

Best friends Bear and Mole can't wait to go camping and sleep under the stars--but Mole worries, what if they get lost in the dark?

Rolling up sleeping bags, picking fresh berries, and climb-climb-climbing, the two buddies are having a great time hiking to Camp Tiptop. They especially can't wait to watch the sunset. But Mole soon realizes that when the sun goes down. . .it will be dark. What if they get lost?

Seeing Mole nervous, Bear decides to tell his friend the legend of a special star--the First Star--that will always help them find their way. Featuring the popular characters and cozy illustrations of Will Hillenbrand's earlier Bear and Mole books, First Star is a perfect bedtime book, an ode to friendship, and a gentle reminder that no matter how dark it gets, your loved ones will always help you find your way.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Space, Nature, Storytime, Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2018

About the author

Will Hillenbrand is an American children's book author and illustrator who has worked on over seventy books for young people. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was influenced by the stories he heard in his father's barbershop growing up. After taking a class in picture-book art while in art school, he decided to pursue a career in children's literature, combining his love of storytelling with his love of illustration. He lives in Terrace Park, Ohio with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

No camping experience is complete without at least one night of star gazing. During the summer in the northern hemisphere away from the city lights, the best time for viewing stars is before, during and after a new moon. It is the darkest time of those short nights. In 2018 there has been no lack of events to witness in our night skies. In fact in four days, the Perseid meteor showers will begin their amazing show.

During a night of star gazing the topic of navigating by the stars usually makes its way into a conversation. For those residing north of the equator, one particular star never sets. It helps us all to find the four compass points. First Star: A Bear And Mole Story (Holiday House, May 1, 2018) written and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand, a fifth book about these two lovable characters, takes us on a single night journey. It's brimming with an explanatory tale, a revelation about an important constellation and the joy of an affectionate bond.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations, created with direct impression media and pencil, highlight a story of friendship and discovery. Best friends Mole and Bear are excited about camping and sleeping under the stars. Mole is a little concerned about getting lost, but Bear provides gentle reassurance that all will be well. When they arrive at the camping site, Bear tells his friend a story about the North Star and how it can provide guidance if someone loses his/her way. As the two gaze into the heavens, they see something special. This picture book is sure to alleviate some of the fears of the unknown youngsters have. My favorite line was this one: "'Dark is not so dark if you know where you are,' Bear said, smiling." True. Very true.

[Luciana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Will Hillenbrand's books! Not only are they entertaining & have a great storyline, their illustrations go so well with the story itself. I also love how he uses the font & font size to emphasize what he is saying & he will often have the illustrations go over 2 pages so you have to manipulate the book in a different direction. This helps to engage the reader, young or old!

This is a story about mole & bear; they go camping to check out the stars. Mole is a bit frightened but bear tells him the tale of the "First Star" (North Star) and how if you know where to find it, you will never get lost. Delightfully done!

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mole and Bear are off on another adventure. This time they're going to look at the night sky. Darkness scares Mole and he fears getting lost, but Bear is reassuring, and tells a bear story about the creation of the moon and stars, most especially the creation of the North Star, that will always point true, and is part of a bear constellation. (While it is not strictly true that the North Star never changes it certainly will work for the life of the book and those who read it.) Warm, rich illustrations are expressive and eye-catching. This is a fun book that would tie in nicely with nonfiction books about the stars and constellations.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Hillenbrand's latest addition to his quiet and lovely series about Bear and Mole may be his finest.

Mole wants to spend the night outside camping, but is worried about getting lost in the dark. Bear reassures him with an original story within this story that he will never get lost at night as long as he can find the moon and the North Star. The calm, gentle story is expanded visually with charming digital artwork. The dark of the night skies can be very frightening, however it can really make the stars and moon pop in the sky, as they do in this book.

A perfect bedtime tale for toddlers - preschool.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book! The story has Bear and Mole climbing up a high hill to watch the stars. Mole becomes worried about getting lost in the dark, but Bear calms him with a story about the stars and moon. The illustrations were soothing. Bear and mole camping, then climbing, and night at last with the story of the first bears up in the sky reenacting Bears tale to Mole. This would make a great bedtime story for littles.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mole wants to sleep under the sky, but when he and Bear reach the top of Tip Top Mountain Mole is afraid they will get lost in the dark and wants to go back home. Instead of heading down the mountain, Bear tells Mole a story about the First Bear family who set the moon and stars in the sky to give them light at night. As he tells the story, Mole begins to see the moon and first stars appear, and he is no longer afraid.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear is best friends with Mole. Mole wants to see the stars at night, but is afraid they will get lost in the dark. Bear tells him that the starts will help guild them. He also tells him the story of the great bear and the little bear who placed the stars and the moon in the sky to light the way. This was a nice story, and the illustrations are a perfect match. It has heart, and it has care of others radiating from the pages.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Star (Bear and Mole) by Will Hillenbrand. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2018. $18.00. 9780823437603

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Bear and mole head to the hills to camp for the night and gaze at the stars. When night falls, Mole becomes frightened of the dark so Bear tells him the story of the first star to comfort him. Mole learns of the first bear family and how they made the moon and scattered the stars in the sky to give light. Mole learns of the one constant star in the sky that will always show him the way home.

This is such a wonderful tale of how the north star came to be. It is a great way to introduce to young children the concept of constellations. The illustrations are beautiful and children will love the friendship between the bear and the mole.

Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends Bear and Mole can't wait to go camping and spend the night sleeping under the stars. Unfortunately, as is common in picture books, no grownups are available to help them.

Toddlers having new adventures as if they were independent grownups? Of course there will be whimpering.

Bear, being physically large, acts a bit like a parent to scared little Mole. When Bear tells a story about the first star -- a story within the storybook -- it's reassuring.

I DO LIKE ESPECIALLY

Bear's introducing Mole to constellation Ursa Minor. Although I don't recall seeing the word "constellation" anywhere. But I guess that's what grownups are for.

(They might also mention the constellation Ursa Major.)

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age: Preschool-1st grade
Sports: Camping, Hiking

Bear and Mole get ready to hike up the mountain to get a better view of the stars but Mole is scared of getting lost in the dark. Bear then explains an "origin story" of the moon and stars to Mole, his friend (or adopted child). Great read-aloud potential for the classroom or storytime for the older ones.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two friends are camping together out in the wild. Mole wants to see the stars turn on. They hike up to a great spot and they can lay under the stars. Bear tells a story of how the stars began, very myth based. It's a cute little tale.

The artwork is digital. The characters are very cute and kids will love the animals.

Kids who love animals will enjoy this story.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute story of bear telling mole how the stars and moon came into existence. And how you'll never be lost in the dark because the moon and stars will guide you. Repetition, turning the book sideways/vertical for a picture of Papa Bear reaching up high to put up the north star.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Dark is not so dark if you know where you are.” —Bear

Bear’s reassuring truism and enchanting illustrations of the night sky redeem Bear’s attempt to alleviate Mole’s fear of the dark with a timeworn tale about the creation of Moon, North Star, Canis Minor, and their twinkly attendants.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear and mole hiked to Camp Tip Top to watch the stars come out. Mole became scared of the dark. Bear told Mole the story of how the first star was placed in the sky to ease his fears until it was time for them to do some stargazing.

[Mary Bilbrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

"First Star, a bear and mole story," by Will Hillenbrand, is a good story about working together to help each other with problems and fears. Mole is afraid of the darkness and he is afraid of getting lost, but Bear reassures Mole by telling him a story about the stars.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mole wants to sleep under the sky so Bear agrees to take him camping. But Mole doesn't want to be in the dark so Bear agrees to tell him the story of the First Star.

This is a cute story perfect to begin discussions of star-gazing.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear and Mole talk about how the stars came to be.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would use this book as a bedtime or naptime story. Lovely.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

these books are cute

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet book. I might read this at my Family Camp In. Could bridge between preschool and kindergarten.

[Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and darling illustrations!

[Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A camping story about an adorable friendship between a Bear and a Mole, and an origin story about Ursa Minor and the night sky.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear and Mole books are sure to become classics. This story continues their friendship as they prepare for a camping trip and mole gets to learn a little astronomy along the way.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about storytelling to ease fears. Super cute illustrations, too!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful drawings, kind-hearted story. I think I'll remember how to find the first star now!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute story about the creation of the moon and stars by bears.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about how the north star came to be...according to a bear.

[Rebecca Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story that is perfect for any little one who is nervous about the dark.

[Samir Kagadkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like the creationist subtext. Zain liked the book