There is no shortage of picture books about the importance of individuality and being true to yourself. A few are written about the idea of copycats, usually a younger sibling who wants to be "just like" the older one causing a great deal of frustration for both and resulting in the realization that copying is a compliment but finding ways for the younger one to be different. I like that this book doesn't try to explain the bear's behavior. It just admires Norton's style and replicates it. It's not about the bear needing to be exactly like Norton but rather sharing the same tastes, much to Norton's great annoyance. The plot is more about Norton's intense need to be different to the point that he can't see how he hurts the bear until it's too late. Evans is suggesting to the reader that other peoples choices are not about you and don't have to effect you. All of this is done with simple prose and charming illustrations featuring expressive characters that support the text well.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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