The bear is coming! — Demelsa Hernández Espeso

In ¡El oso se acerca!, the playful and endearing bear Lolo is tired of being alone and dreams of befriending the bees. Although the bees know how much he loves honey, they remain cautious—and Lolo must find a way to earn their trust. With rhymed narrative and lively illustrations by Òscar Julve (and written by Demelsa Hernández Espeso), this 44-page picture book published by Canica Books invites young readers on a journey of patience, kindness and connection. 

As Lolo approaches the hive, the buzzing of the bees and the glimmer of golden honey set the scene for both suspense and warmth. The tale emphasizes the value of empathy: Lolo doesn’t just want the honey — he wants friendship. Enter Facundo the bumblebee, who arrives in the most unexpected way to help Lolo in his quest. Together they demonstrate how offering genuine help, listening, and showing up time and again opens the door to belonging.

This book is ideal for children aged around 3 to 6 who are learning about emotions, inclusion and community. It can be read aloud at story-time or enjoyed independently for emerging readers of Spanish. The rhythmic verse helps memorisation and reading fluency, the illustrations invite curiosity about bees and nature, and the story brings a gentle message: sometimes the sweetest thing isn’t the honey—it’s a friend. Whether for classroom use, a bedtime routine, or gifting to a little one discovering the world, ¡El oso se acerca! offers a tender, imaginative experience that blends fun, rhythm and heartfelt values.