Four decades and 7 million copies ago, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? first appeared in bookstores. The first collaboration of Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle earned laudable advance notices, but no one anticipated that it would take off like wildfire. Now the publisher honors this picture book classic with an anniversary edition that includes an audio CD containing the full text, plus commentary by Martin and Carle.

Eric Carle's double-page tissue collages and Bill Martin's friendly chant unite to create this vibrant introduction to colors. The first line of the book is the title, to which a big brown bear responds,"I see a redbird looking at me." The redbird responds with another animal and so on, until a mother (or a teacher, depending on the edition) asks a group of children what they see. A wonderful read-aloud for either a group or individuals, this book is a favorite for teachers.

PreS-Gr 1-- In this new edition of the popular classic (Holt, 1983), the same clean design and crisp text remain. Illustrations, however, have been slightly altered. Stronger colors and more texture help delineate animal bodies more sharply. Positions and shapes are slightly changed, resulting in a less static look. Red Bird is shown in flying position with a sleeker body, sharper beak, and more carefully defined tail and wing features. Yellow Duck has webbed feet and an open bill; Blue Horse has black hooves and teeth showing; Green Frog a spotted back and pink tongue; the former Mother with pale pink skin has become Teacher with beige skin tones and darker hair. The overall effect is livelier and more interesting, although changes are minimal enough that the old edition is still serviceable. When replacements are in order, this will be a welcome addition. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

“To celebrate this beloved book's 25th birthday, Eric Carle has energized his original artwork, providing bold, fresh colors and his now familiar menagerie.” —Publishers Weekly

“The contemporary classic . . . perfect for sharing with a group of preschoolers.” —The Horn Book Guide

“A picture book full of rhyme and repetition that will appeal to preschoolers. Carle's large collages bursting with color are perfect for the text.” —Booklist

Perfect for popping in the CD changer and handing your tot the book version for car rides, Gwynnie brings these animal tales to life the way a true mom (or dad) always does - by doing all the 'voices.'

Make a memorable listening experience!

Read this to your toddler or sit back and listen as Gwyneth Paltrow does the many voices of the creatures in this classic.

Children love the predictability of this story of one colorful animal who is looking at another . . . who is looking at another . . . From the images adorning the CD itself to the engaging background music to the three distinct narrations, including one in Spanish, this is a production to savor. Gwyneth Paltrow gently personalizes each animal with pauses and emphasis, and a chorus of children provides a variety of additional voices. Bill Martin, Jr., himself also reads his story with a rich, even voice that makes the repetition pop. The Spanish version is perky and enunciated carefully. Youngsters can pore over Eric Carle's beloved illustrations while listening. A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine