There are twelve interconnected short stories in this small book. In a family or classroom (Kindergarten, Grade One or early in the year to Grade Two) you could read one story each night or day. Cub is a boy scout. His motto is be prepared. In his rucksack he has trail mix, a lunch box, drink bottle, hat, compass, binoculars, an emergency whistle, warm socks, sunscreen and a first aid kit. He knows all about camping, map reading, raft building, fire lighting and fishing. But so far, he has never met a bear - until today!
In the first story or chapter or tip, Cub shows bear (his name is Brown) how to tie his shoes. Once Brown masters this skill, and yes it does take quite a while, he throws the shoes away - it is so funny. In the second story Brown makes some important discoveries about time. The ticking clock is driving him crazy, and he thinks he only has the hours of one day to complete everything on his to do list. Luckily, close to midnight, when so many tasks are not completed, Cub is able to explain:
"It's lucky you get some new hours tomorrow ... You get twenty-four new hours every day. Some are for doing things. And some are for sleeping."
My favourite story is the fifth one - Cover your Tracks. Someone has turned Bears home in a pigsty. The sink is full of unwashed dishes, the bench is covered in crumbs, there are books spread over the table and apple cores all over the floor. The bathroom is also disgusting. Bear decides he will set a trap to catch the terrible creature who is making all this mess in his house. His trap is so good that he ends up caught himself and because it contains a comfy cushion Bear falls asleep. Enter his friend Cub. Being a helpful scout, Cub quietly sets to work, and while Bear sleeps on and on, Cub cleans and sorts and tidies. I love the way little Cub is so helpful and the way he restores Brown's place back into tidy home. Have you guessed who really made this mess?
Cub is such a sweet little earnest character and Brown - well he is a bear - interprets the world in such a very literal way - a way that is sure to tickle the funny bone of your young reading companion. Readers always feel so wise and powerful when they know more than a book character especially a character like this huge loveable bear.
Cub - his attitude to being a boy scout and his motto of be prepared - reminded me of the little boy in the animated movie Up. But more than that - the way Evie Barrow has illustrated Cub I just keep seeing this movie boy. You can see inside Cub and Brown on Evie Barrow's website.
I am a huge fan of Evie Barrow. I am excited to tell you IBBY Australia will hold an online Mini Masterpiece art auction at the end of October, 2024, and very kindly Evie Barrow has donated two images (originals) from Cub and Brown.
It is interesting to think about the relationship between Cub and Brown. Many books like this that feature unlikely friends have theme of optimism and pessimism but that's applicable here. Other books with unlikely friends feature a brave character and anther who is cautious or even timid. Again, that is not the focus of Cub and Brown. In other stories one of the pair is the brains and the other seems muddled. Even though Brown is confused about some aspects of life this pair felt more like equals. I especially loved the ending - but I am not going to spoil it except to say Edwina Wyatt beautifully solves the issue at the end of the book of what next for Cub and Brown.
Here is an example of an illustration from Cub and Brown:
Read some review comments for Cub and Brown on Edwina Wyatt's web page.
Companion reads:
Here are some other books by Edwina Wyatt and a book illustrated by Evie Barrow.
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