The Bear Who Wanted to Be a Bear [Hardcover]

Jorg Steiner (Author), Jorg Mueller (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Highlighting issues of environmental protection, human identity, and the pursuit of self, this remarkable modern fable brings philosophical subjects to the forefront through humor and imagination. When a brown bear awakes from hibernation, he is surprised to find that a modern factory has been built right over his den. His bewilderment only grows when a factory guard mistakes him for an unshaven human and, failing to prove his identity, is forced to become a factory worker.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jörg Steiner is a writer and former teacher at a juvenile corrections facility. Jörg Müller is the author and illustrator of several books, including The Changing City and The Changing Countryside. He is the recipient of the Hans Christian Anderson Award for Illustration.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 44 pages
• Publisher: Heryin Books, Inc.; Tra edition (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976205602
• ISBN-13: 978-0976205609
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,150,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is my favorite book ever!, November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: THE BEAR WHO WANTED TO BE A BEAR (Hardcover)

I have been unable to locate "The Bear Who Wanted To Be A Bear" anywhere! The last time I read this story was about 20 years ago. My family and I still talk about it fondly and with many happy memories.

The book is about a bear who is lost and confused and not sure what his calling in life is. He tries to find himself by taking on a variety of jobs such as joining a circus, working in a factory...

Eventually, he listens to his heart and realizes who he is and what he needs and wants to do.

The illustrations for this book have a very playful and animated 70's style. One particular page I remember quite vividly as do my siblings is where the bear takes a job in a factory. The illustration displays the inside of a factory filled with a twisted maze of foreign equipment made of pipes, wires and gadgets. My brother, sister and I would take turns making the sound effects for each piece of equipment and imagining how the machines operated.

Sometimes I wonder if the books I loved as a child were great because of the actual story or because of the wonderful memories I have with my family reading them to me. Either way, this book is sure to do the same for others.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No one at the new factory believes the bear is a bear, December 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: THE BEAR WHO WANTED TO BE A BEAR (Hardcover)

The previous reviewer has gotten a few details of the story wrong - who wouldn't, remembering a childhood favorite. In this picture book translation from German, a bear wakes up from his winter's nap to find his forest has been razed. He meets a man from the newly built factory, who puts him to work there. By winter, he realizes where he really belongs. Although originally published in 1976, the book's design gives it a very contemporary look; sort of an Anthony Browne meets Chris Van Allsburg, with dark, detailed art and text boxes. Hey, you publishers out there - get this book back in print! Patti McLaughlin, Children's Librarian, The Free Library of Philadelphia

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A childhood favorite, August 4, 2004

By 

Paul Hainsworth - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: THE BEAR WHO WANTED TO BE A BEAR (Hardcover)

I just received a copy of the book on the weekend as a 30th birthday present from my Dad, who used to read this book to my brother and I when we were growing up. It is easily my favorite picture book from my childhood. My Dad didn't want to part with his copy of it, one of his more prized possessions, so he tracked down one for me on Amazon.

In my opinion, the book is far more than a simple children's book. It is a work of art, combining a multilayered story that comments on industrialism, identity, and the world of work, with astonishing drawings by Jorg Muller.

If folks know of other works of Jorg Muller or Jorg Steiner (the author), I'd love to hear from you at paul at hainsworth dot com.