Bear Feels Scared [Hardcover]

Karma Wilson (Author), Jane Chapman (Illustrator)

Book Description

In the deep, dark woods
by the Strawberry Vale,
a big bear lumbers
down a small, crooked trail....

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—This likable character and his animal friends are back in one of their best outings since Bear Snores On (S & S, 2002). While walking in the woods, Bear gets lost, and the other critters begin to worry about him. They form a search party, find their friend, and return to the lair to cuddle up and fall asleep, and finally, "the bear feels safe." Wilson's rhyming text moves along at a steady clip, with only the smallest missteps in meter, and the repeated refrain begs for audience participation. Chapman's acrylic illustrations perfectly mesh realism with emotional expression; the characters show their concern for Bear, whose fear is almost palpable. The combination of full-bleed spreads, single-page paintings, and smaller insets keeps the story flowing and encourages page turns. Bear's cozy den, painted in warm oranges and browns, contrasts effectively with the outdoor scenes, done in blacks, blues, and grays. The reassuring story is simple, but speaks to children's fears and the safety they find with the people who care about them, creating a comforting and accessible forum for discussion. With its large, richly colored illustrations, this book will work equally well one-on-one or in storytime, and listeners are sure to request repeated readings.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
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About the Author

Karma Wilson's previous picture books include Bear Snores On, Bear Wants More, Bear Stays Up for Christmas, and Mortimer's Christmas Manger, all illustrated by Jane Chapman, One Day in the Middle of the Bog, illustrated by Joan Rankin, and Hilda Must Be Dancing and Bear Hugs illustrated by Suzanne Watts. She lives with her family in Fortine, Montana. Karma Wilson's website is at karmawilson.com.

Jane Chapman is the illustrator of several books for children including Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman and I Love My Mama by Peter Kavanagh, as well as Karma Wilson's Bear Snores On, Bear Wants More, Bear Stays Up for Christmas, and Mortimer's Christmas Manger. She lives with her family in Dorset, England.  Visit Jane at ChapmanandWarnes.com. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (August 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689859864
• ISBN-13: 978-0689859861
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Story, September 22, 2008

By 

J. R. Nathaniel "Soul Man in Contemplation" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bear Feels Scared (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful story for any youngster from ages 3-8. The illustrations are magnificent and story lines rhyme and blend very well. This story is a good way to help your child overcome basic fears.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Karma Wilson, August 21, 2008

By 

G. Marshall (Mason, OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bear Feels Scared (Hardcover)

I love all the Bear books from Karma. The rhythm and rhyming is excellent, making them such a joy to read. My older kids like to read along or at least read the title line in each verse, and the little ones like the beautiful illustrations. The story is great. For my kids it makes them feel good to know that even their trusted friend Bear gets scared, so they are not alone. I highly recommend this, and all of Mrs. Wilson's books.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute and sweet, but gives no solutions, January 23, 2010

By 

M. Amos (Visalia, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bear Feels Scared (Hardcover)

My husband and I fell in love with the adorable illustrations and the sweet characters portrayed in "Bear Feels Scared". We thought it might help soothe our preschooler who is too afraid to fall asleep on his own. However, the story offers no resolution for Bear's fears. He does ultimately feel safe, but only because his friends are also worried and come to find him. This does not lend itself to soothing our son's bedtime fears or give him tools to feel less scared. The story remains cute and loveable, but it has not become a favorite as we thought it might.