Patrick is back

Geoffrey Hayes has developed some lovely comics for beginning readers starring his loveable little bear, Patrick.  I remember Patrick from the book Patrick Eats His Dinner.  My son, who is now 35, was only 4 at the time and we both loved the song Patrick sang as he avoided eating his peas.  Something about "little green balls of smooshy poison", I think.  The out of print editions available on Amazon start at $299. 

BUT you can read about Patrick in a brand new series of books starting with Patrick in A Teddy Bear's Picnic and other stories, put out by TOON BOOKS, an imprint of Candlewick Press.  At $12.95, this book is a bargain.  It's at least twice as big as Patrick's first outing with the peas and it includes several sweet, funny, exciting, but ultimately reassuring, stories about Patrick, his Ma, his Daddy, a bully called Big Bear, naps, parks and a trip - all by himself - to the store.  BTW, Big Bear is no match for Patrick in the end.  Hayes is right on target with Patrick's view of the world, concerns and talents.  Beginning Readers will identify with Patrick right away! The graphics have that soft edged look and bright but not glaring colors that Patrick fans have always loved.   I am so glad Patrick is back, just in time for new generations of young readers.