Ruby wants to write a book, and she’s determined that it’s going to have NO BEARS in it. She’s tired of reading about bears in everything, and so she sets out to tell a story that has fairies and princesses and castles and even monsters, but definitely no furry, honey-eating mammals in it. The only problem is that as Ruby starts to write her tale of adventure, a certain pesky creature keeps showing up, determined to join in.

I’m always a fan of a book within a book, and the picture book that Ruby creates in No Bears is a lot of fun. Not only will young readers have a ball following along with Meg McKinlay’s tale of monsters and princesses , they’ll also love all of the action going on outside the book, and the appearances of the bear itself. Leila Rudge’s beautiful illustrations reminiscent of Oliver Jeffers are wonderfully chaotic, and complement this book for readers who are eager for a good story or two.