Larry rebels. He doesn't have a reason, but takes up the bongo and starts acting like a beatnik. His friend Martin doesn't understand why Larry is doing these things, but he gives Larry's new interests a chance and finds out that they are fun.
The themes of this book include accepting others, trying new things and sticking by friends/family.
I think this would be a fun addition to beat literature by showing an exaggerated stereotype of a beatnik. ( )

I'm not sure if most children would enjoy this, but I think some would - and I am thrilled. I love the subtle glow outlining the bears at the club. I love that the beatnik bears accepted Mrs. Frobisher, even though her attempt to dress cool was so unsuccessful Jill Pinkwater didn't draw it for us. I love the snappy jazz rhythm of the performance. I love the blueberry muffins and the cod-liver oil. I love that it takes place in New Jersey. ( )

Larry the polar bear returns in this third hilarious adventure, complete with cool shades and stylish black beret. It's a Pinkwater paean to the beatnik ethos, chronicling Larry's "bohemian period," from his arrest for playing the bongos in the park late one night, to his joyful performance with the famed musician Big Bear at the Cafe Mama Bear.

Bongo Larry is vintage Pinkwater, with its outrageously funny dialogue, delivered with perfect comedic timing and sly nonchalance: "Well, I am rebelling," Larry informs his puzzled best friend, Martin Frobisher. "You are rebelling? What are you rebelling against?" "What have you got," Larry asked. It's more hilarious fun with those muffin-loving Pinkwater bears... only a "square" could resist! ( )