Bear Hug by Katherine McEwen (Templar Publishing)

What a glorious celebration of the four seasons, and the circle of life (don't you always want to break into song when you hear those words?) in Katherine McEwen's new book for Templar, "Bear Hug".

Bears are definitely high on children's lists of favourite animals, and we explore the gentle (or in the case of this summer to autumn, not so gentle) segue of the seasons from one to another through the eyes of a small bear. Growing up with mum and dad, the bear has all the fun there is to have in a small bear's world, learning to fish and snuggling up for bear-sized hugs with mum and dad.

As the seasons change, and one year passes to another, bear grows up and soon meets another bear and thus begins the cycle all over again.

Katherine's writing is prosaic and lovely to read aloud, particularly as your little bears are snuggling up on your lap before bedtime. Her illustrative skills are fantastic, each season's nuances are expertly picked out with Katherine's subtle palettes and beautiful characters.

As we rapidly head towards our favourite season of all (there's just something about Autumn that is magical) this is a timely treat, a book that your little ones will love and cherish.

Charlotte's best bit: Fun in the snow for little bears (and big bears too!)

Daddy's Favourite bit: A gorgeously illustrated and wonderfully woven tale of the seasons. Utterly sublime!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Publishing)