"Like a good many modern satirical fables about animals, this falls heavily between the stools of adult and juvenile interest." -
The New York Times "It is a fable for grownups that will be fun for children. Sit down with the book and get your own bearings." -
New York Herald Tribune "If you do not laugh at
The Bear That Wasn't you are not only a member of the human group, you are an agelast and you deserve it. An agelast (see Rabelais) is a silly man in a fur coat who needs a shave and doesn't think it's funny." -
Saturday Review of Literature "Go ahead and enjoythe book, which is thoroughly funny throughout...Mr. Tashlin's bear is very ingratiating and provides a good deal of fun for all members of the family." -
Springfield Republican "Mr. Tashlin's earlier masterpiece,
The Bear That Wasn't is a genially savage lampoon on the The Civilized People Who Aren't." -
Los Angeles Times "...a good story with wonderful pictures and even some political satire to appeal to adults who read it, as well." -Scott Simon,
Weekend Edition Saturday, NPR "...it's a classic. And the proof of that is that it is now coming out...from the wonderful and magnificent New York Review of Books Children's Collection. [
The Bear That Wasn't] has been hanging around since 1946, with wonderful pen and ink drawings." -Daniel Pinkwater,
Weekend Edition Saturday, NPR
