Bears have more than a passing resemblance to humans. Especially this bear, who takes pleasure in the little things in life, and, of course, the big things as well. He is generous to a fault, and if we are to take his word for it, a rather clever fellow. But, like many of us, even our bear has days when he feels dreadfully alone &Fortunately, he knows exactly what to do about it. Philip Waechter responds to this very human dilemma by creating a wonderful character, drawn with a delicately spare line but informed with great compassion and love.

"Although the title seems to indicate otherwise, this earnestly winsome, small-format book is actually a tribute to the comforts of companionship. A giant but genial-looking bear — aka 'Me' — catalogues all the traits that make him 'pretty special.' 'I'm beautiful,' he says, admiring his reflection in a rain puddle. 'Generosity is my middle name. I love to share,' he notes, as he gives candy to a somewhat startled hiker. With rarely more than five or six words per spread, the bear's narrative delivers his lines with a wink. For, 'I take things at my own pace,' he heads down the street with a back-up of honking horns behind him. But even the healthiest sense of self-esteem isn't enough on those days when the bear feels 'absolutely alone... and small.' That's when he knows it's time to seek out a friend for a (literal) bear hug and some quality time — even if it requires a lengthy commute back to the forest. The crisp ink lines, expanses of white space and emotional understatement of German author-artist Waechter's cartooning counterbalance the at times sentimental text. This warmhearted message in its gifty package will be as likely to be passed among adults as among children. Ages 5-up. (June)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

A graphic artist and illustrator living in Frankfurt, Germany, Philip Waechter is a co-founder of LABOR, a designer's cooperative whose members share a love of books. Me! is his second book for children.