August 2007 (cont.)

My books were reviewed regularly in that particular journal from the beginning of my career. But not a single one has been acknowledged in the years since its most recent editor took over, no matter what kind of response they receive elsewhere.

Another review, posted on Amazon.com by a school librarian, said, “Bauer should not be jumping on the bandwagon to put out a book on this subject without putting in the facts.” She objected because my version, in honoring the rhythm needed to build the story, dropped out the information about the rescuers who had brought Owen to the nature reserve. (The rescuers are in the Afterword.) As to “jumping on the bandwagon,” our book came out six months after the first two books for children that tell the tale only because the editor needed extra time to find the right artist.

Other reviews on Amazon.com said things like “beautiful,” “touching,” and “elementary-level readers will love it.”

Obviously, there is no point in my wading into the fray.

Baby Bear Discovers the World, illustrated with photographs by naturalist/photographer Stan Tekiela, has yet to earn a single review from a major journal. That is because, no doubt, it is the first children’s book to be published by Adventure Publications and therefore, apparently, of little interest to the children’s book world...except for those who are discovering it on the shelf and buying it with enthusiasm.