Bearcub and Mama [Hardcover]

Sharon Jennings (Author), Melanie Watt (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Bearcub follows his mama wherever she goes. By Mama's side, he discovers how to catch a fish and dig for grubs. With Mama's help, he learns to climb a tree and find honey. One day, Bearcub is exploring the high country when the sky darkens and a storm blows in. But this time, Mama is not there. Frightened and alone, Bearcub must rely on himself -- and all that his mama has taught him -- to weather the fierce winter storm. Told in simple, evocative language and illustrated in rich, luminous colors, Bearcub and Mama is a reassuring story about growing up and the powerful bond between mother and child.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS–Bearcub follows his mama, learning how to catch a fish, dig for grubs, and climb a tree to find honey. At first, Bearcub always knows where his mama is but as he grows, he learns to leave her sometimes. While playing with ice along the shore of a stream, he does not notice the snowstorm that is descending on him. Although afraid, he remembers how to follow the trail to his den and comforts himself with the words of his mother, All storms pass. Having overcome his fear, Bearcub sleeps safely and awakens happily to his mother's greeting. The painterly spreads, done in acrylics on canvas, use serene colors, with mother bear and cub depicted in a warm brownish orange. Story and illustrations create a superb read-aloud that is certain to appeal to most children, who will connect with Bearcub's uneasiness about growing up. Pair this one with Kathy Mallat's Brave Bear (Walker, 1999) for two fine tales about bravery and courage.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
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From Booklist

PreS. The enduring relationship between mother and child is mirrored through Bearcub and Mama. In opening spreads, as the two cavort across the fields, Mama teaches tiny Bearcub to climb a tree and find honey. As Bearcub grows older, he sometimes plays alone. On the day the snow falls, however, he wants to be with his mother and can't find her. Remembering what Mama taught him, he finds his way back to their cave, only to discover that she's not there. But when he awakens, she has returned; Bearcub knows that even if he can't see Mama, she is always with him. Little ones will identify with Bearcub as he develops new skills and learns how to accept separation despite the fears it causes. Bearcub may look a bit too much like a teddy for some, but the soft-edged acrylic artwork mirrors the colors of the seasons, and there are some very handsome outdoor scenes, especially the swirling snowy picture in which the elements rage around one small bear. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1553375661
• ISBN-13: 978-1553375661
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,050,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)