I Have a Little Problem, Said the Bear by Heinz Janisch, illustrated by Silke Leffler Ages 4-8 24 pages North-South January 2009 Hardcover     The bear starts to explain that he had a little problem, but before he can describe it, the inventor interjects that he knows just what the bear wants: such a heavy bear clearly wants something to make him lighter! To his surprise, the bear soon finds a pair of wings harnessed to his shoulders by the inventor. The bear walks into a tailor shop next to seek a solution to his problem, but before he can finish, the tailor declares that what the bear needs is a scarf. Now the bear has a scarf to wear in addition to his wings. And so it goes, with the bear soon acquiring a hat, a box of vitamins, a pig charm on a chain, and other assorted gifts from well-meaning but misguided townsfolk. Unfortunately, no one will let the bear explain what it is that he truly needs, so he becomes laden down with all sorts of presents for which he has no use. The frustrated and exhausted bear finally climbs to the top of a hill, where he unburdens himself of all the new gifts. It is here that he finally finds someone who will listen to him and help him solve his problem. This book was originally published in Austrian and retains a vaguely European feel, especially in the art. Gorgeous mixed media illustrations with whimsical embellishments, collage art, and intricate pencil drawings make it fun to pore over the artwork. The scenes of the town have a timeless charm. Young children will enjoy this gentle and humorous tale and will identify with not being heard as they try to explain their problems.     web reviews   Usha Reynolds/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)