Bearsuit Turtle Plays a Game
A Picture Book
Published on 28. May 2026
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-4197-7157-6 (ISBN)
Description
Two friends invent an imaginative new game in this laugh-out-loud story that captures the silliness of playtime, from award-winning author-illustrator Bob Shea
When a bear suit-wearing turtle and his best friend are left to their own devices, the fun and games begin!
Pass the ball, but be careful-the grass is hot lava! As "bearsketball" gets increasingly off-the-wall, the two friends compete to see who can find the biggest stick in the forest, roll down the hill without dropping the ball, and guess the number each one is thinking. Who will be the winner? And what are the rules to this game, anyway?
From Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur vs. series and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great, this charming and hilarious tale is an ode to the joy and freedom of childhood. With true-to-life kid dynamics, offbeat humor, and memorable characters, this picture book companion to Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend proves that everyone wins when you're having fun.
When a bear suit-wearing turtle and his best friend are left to their own devices, the fun and games begin!
Pass the ball, but be careful-the grass is hot lava! As "bearsketball" gets increasingly off-the-wall, the two friends compete to see who can find the biggest stick in the forest, roll down the hill without dropping the ball, and guess the number each one is thinking. Who will be the winner? And what are the rules to this game, anyway?
From Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur vs. series and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great, this charming and hilarious tale is an ode to the joy and freedom of childhood. With true-to-life kid dynamics, offbeat humor, and memorable characters, this picture book companion to Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend proves that everyone wins when you're having fun.
Reviews / Votes
***STARRED REVIEW***"Once again, Shea has captured the rhythms and cadence of the playground in a character who is distinctive but also feels like someone readers probably know." * Horn Book Magazine * "...the title's -rejection of organized games for spontaneous imaginary play makes for a light, spirited romp for readers." * School Library Journal * "Colors as bright and blatant as Bearsuit Turtle's intentions, coupled with the seeming simplicity of the character's facial expressions, give the book a feel that is simultaneously retro and magnificently contemporary. Proof that even the most overbearing friends can have our best interests at heart." * Kirkus Reviews * "With its high-energy plot and colorful illustrations, this book offers plenty of fun, and it delivers." * Booklist * "The simple, child-like composition with bold, zingy colors and quirky humor conveys the imaginative play and goofy companionship between the two turtle pals with complementary personalities...A how-to guide on how to play Bearsketball where everyone is a beary guaranteed winner..." * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Abrams
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Illustrations
Full-color illustrations throughout
Dimensions
Height: 273 mm
Width: 224 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
460 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4197-7157-6 (9781419771576)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2026
Abrams Books for Young Readers
€16.49
Available for download
Person
Bob Shea has written and/or illustrated over 20 picture books, including the popular Dinosaur vs. series, Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great, and the Ballet Cat early readers series. His most recent picture book, Chez Bob, received three starred reviews, with Booklist calling it "terrifically funny and surprisingly sweet." Shea's characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids.