“Through a carpet of pine needles and a small hill of moss, twigs, and soil, three shiny black noses push up into the crisp air. Spring has arrived in Alaska.” An appealing account follows two bear cubs and their mother from the time they emerge from the winter den where the cubs were born through spring, summer, and into fall. The cubs and their mother find food and shelter, and practice behaviors that will help the cubs survive and live independently. The inviting text is full of captivating details that will fascinate young animal enthusiasts. Each page spread includes several sentences offset in italics that provide factual information. Pleasing mixed-media illustrations in muted tones have a cozy feel while retaining the sense of realism. A note from the author, a map, and an index round out this introduction to brown bears, a species found in many locations in the northern hemisphere.