Leola and the Honeybears (hc) Hardcover – October 1, 1999 by Melodye Rosales (Author, Illustrator)
 
From Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Leola lives with her grandmother near the Pine Hollow Woods, and when she "...got her way, she could be as sweet as brown sugar. But when she didn't, she could be as stubborn as Grandmama's old mule." Readers will empathize with the mischievous, saucy little girl who is brought to life in the sumptuous oil illustrations. In this retelling, Leola has been scared by Ol' Mister Weasel when she takes shelter at the Honeybears' inn, and, although her Grandmama has told her "Never to go into folks' houses...and never help yourself in folks' kitchens...and never, ever sit down and make yourself too comfortable until first being politely asked..." she rationalizes that no one will mind, just this once. Of course, the Honeybears do mind, but all is eventually forgiven, and Mama Honeybear sends Leola home with Miss Blackbird as a guide and a basket of goodies for her Grandmama. The format of this oversized book projects a country-folk look, with full-page illustrations bursting with color facing cream-and-yellow pinstriped pages of text with an occasional small oval scene. The story reads well and the whole endeavor radiates warmth and love. Leola is a memorable character and deserves to keep company with Mary Hoffman's Amazing Grace and Patricia McKissack's Mirandy on library shelves.Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
1.23