Young children are skilled at finding many things while out adventuring — some good, some bad.  They often find others’ lost toys and loveys, too.  Found by author/illustrator Salina Yoon is a sweet story book that explores the drive to return something to its rightful owner while still feeling the ambivalence over doing so.

Bear finds a stuffed bunny in the forest, and he immediately starts to search for the bunny’s owner.  He makes many “found” flyers and posts them everywhere.  He seeks out “lost” flyers that the owner might have posted, but he finds none.  He takes the bunny around the forest, searching for its owner directly.  He has no luck.

During his time with the bunny, Bear starts to grow attached to it.  He spends a delightful day with bunny and is peddling around on his bike when Moose sees the bunny in Bear’s bike basket and cries out, “Floppy!”  Bear is startled and knows what he must do, and as he starts to tear up, he hands Floppy back to Moose.  The way that Moose reacts is a pleasant surprise, and Bear is rewarded for giving good care.

Simple, straightforward moral tales are great opportunities for young children to see good choices in action.  But it is discouraging when the characters in the story don’t have the same feelings as children might have in the same situation.  That’s where Yoon’s book’s sweetness and honesty really sets it apart.  Bear is conflicted!  He is sad.  He obviously doesn’t really want to give up his new friend, especially after working so hard to find its home.  He does return it to Moose, of course, but Yoon highlights his emotional response.

The one minor quibble I have with the story is that Moose, being older and surprisingly rational, decides that Floppy is better off with a younger animal… like Bear.  So Bear’s true reward for his kindness and selflessness is to keep the bunny.  A similar scenario in real life is not likely to play out so perfectly, but the story gives ample opportunity to talk about the range of emotions one might feel and the possibility of other outcomes, too.

Yoon’s illustrations are adorable, modern, and warm.  The visuals are a bright, clean balance to the text.  The story is engaging without being overwhelming or too packed with detail, making it a perfect read for toddlers through early elementary-aged children.