Clever Cub and the Case of the Worries by Bob Hartman  

'One is a good, age-appropriate and attractive for young children about worrying; the other is somewhat problematic because it uses the complex story Esther to guard against lying' 

Clever Cub and the Case of the Worries; and Clever Cub Tells the Truth
By Bob Hartman
David C Cook
Price: £4.99 per book
ISBN: 9780830784684 and 9780830784691
Reviewer: Moira Kleissner

 
Having reviewed some of this series of books for children in the past, and raving about how good they were, I was looking forward to reading and reviewing these two books by Bob Hartman with illustrations by Steve Brown and published by David C Cook.
 
Clever Cub and the Case of Worries is attractively produced and well written. Clever Cub is worried about some of his friends and hypothetical disasters that might happen to them.

Mama reassures him telling the story of Jesus teaching people not to worry, because God looks after the birds and flowers and will look after them.

These books are for 5s and under so this is appropriate for that age group. However older children, especially those facing many of the difficulties that children can face today with poverty, bullying and low self-esteem, trite answers will not suffice and a more nuanced approach may be necessary. For nursery age range though, this little book is good, age-appropriate and attractive. I really enjoyed the simple, clear and fun illustrations by Steve Brown, particularly Old Marvin, the moose!

Useful to read with young children, give as a gift and have in a children’s corner.
 
The second book Clever Cub Tells the Truth I found somewhat problematic. The illustrations, as before are, in general, attractive. However there is a caveat (see below). The idea of approaching untruths with under 5s needs to be developmental age and experience appropriate. The story of Esther, told by Mama Bear, I don’t think is suitable for this age range, nor is the theme specifically about not telling lies. In fact, the opposite could be said! The Bible wasn’t written for young children, and although there is material in Scripture that we can use, not all is appropriate for all stages of development and the experiences children have today.
 
Esther is a complex and nuanced tale. In the story lies are condoned to keep Esther safe, which is the opposite of what Mama Bear is trying to teach Clever Cub.  Even Clever Cub notices this. The complexities of why Esther lied are beyond the experience and reasoning of this age group. There are other Biblical stories that would show lying as wrong and that can be adapted for under 5s. We need to be clear and honest with what we teach children.
 
I had a problem with one of the illustrations, which generally I liked. Esther and the other “queen candidates” are chosen for their beauty and are titivated up, ready for the King to choose the most beautiful. The picture shows “pretty” girls getting make-up, hair and skin done a-la-beauty-parlour. What kind of message is this sending about women? It would appear from this illustration and story that you can only succeed, as Esther did, if you are beautiful. Is that the message we want to send to under 5s?
 
Such a pity because the books I have reviewed in this series so far have been very positive, age-appropriate and usable. I would not use Clever Cub Tells the Truth with under 5s sadly.
 

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife