Customer Reviews

Bossy Bear

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bossy Bear is indeed very bossy. So bossy he yells "Faster!" to a struggling snail and "What do you mean, don't walk?!" to a traffic light. He has perfected the art of shouting "GIMME" and is not shy about ordering Santa around. But when he pushes his friends too far he finds himself all alone with only his cape and his crown for company. Could it be he's bossed one boss too many?

The short, simple text and whimsical illustrations are reminiscent of Mo Willems' Pigeon books. The author-illustrator, David Horvath, is the creator of the popular Uglydolls, and there is a slight hint of Uglidollness in Bear. His many fans won't be disappointed by his latest creation, which is sure to elicit giggles from both toddlers and their grown-ups. The ending suggests that there might be a sequel---we can only hope!

Horvath, David, Bossy Bear, Hyperion Books for Children, 2007

Bossy Bear is a new miniature character from the award winning "uglydolls" product line. Not only does he wants to do everything his way, he also wants to tell everyone else what they should do, "Do what I want. Take me where I want to go. Hurry up!" Against a rainbow of colorful background paper, Bossy Bear who has a medium blue body with exaggerated eyes and an oversized mouth, and wears a red cape and a yellow crown, opens wide his mouth, tightens his fists and shouts out his demands: "MAKE MY BED!!!" "CLEAN MY ROOM!" and "GIVE ME EVERYTHING!" Ultimately because of always insisting on doing things his way, Bossy Bear finds himself abandoned - no one will play with him. His diminished figure and the word, "HELLO...?" stands out from a bright white background. Then a little turtle holding a red balloon shows up, and true to form Bossy Bear says, "Give me your balloon!". Much to his surprise, the turtle says, "Okay". Flummoxed, Bossy Bear enquires, "You don't think I'm bossy?" Turtle replies, "You are bossy... BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE." Bossy Bear presents Turtle with a crown of his own, and now Turtle takes the lead and says, "Let's Go!" Despite this somewhat ambiguous ending - did Bossy Bear learn to behave better? - Children, aged 4- 8, will get a kick out of this bad "child". Strong colors, large text, and figures will make this a fun read-aloud. Don't be surprised if kids query you about the ending, leading to a discussion about behavior. Libraries with extra money and shelf space may want to buy the book only; otherwise this book and doll package is for the home market.

If you are a fan of fun and whimsical childrens' books, but with a wink and a nod to adult humor (a la Richard Scarry) then you'll love Bossy Bear! I grew up on the Scarry books, and until now haven't found anything even close in terms of both art and story craft. The illustrations of Bossy Bear's (mostly ill) tempers are superbly expressive and wonderfully rendered. Plus, the ending is really sweet. I hope this will be the first in a long line from Mr. Horvath.

I had hoped the story would teach my toddler not to be bossy, but it has a pretty lame resolution. It has provided the opportunity to talk about bossiness and not having friends, though.

I'm an elementary school and use bossy bear as part of my friendship curriculum for K-2 grades. Bossy Bear is a TOTAL hit with the kids. It's hard to find books that talk about bossy behavior in such a concretely written way. It all boils down to Bossy Bear finding himself alone when he tries to bossy a couple other animals around. He then meets Turtle who says it like is - "You don't have to be this way." The kids also like the illustrations.

Bossy Bear is used to ordering people around, and getting his way. But, when he pushes it too far, he finds himself all alone. Perhaps it is time for Bossy Bear to make a change.

OK, this is a funny book. My five-year-old did indeed enjoy Bossy Bear's antics, and she liked the bright colors of the illustration work. But, it is true that the ending is a little too ambiguous. I mean, I am not quite sure what lesson Bossy Bear learned exactly or how. But, nonetheless, for a five-year-old it's pretty good.

My daughter recently adopted a baby, and being a 4th grade teacher for 11 years, puts up with bossy children every year and expresss her fear that her new baby would ever be a bossy child and or adult. This little book will be a great first jumping off place for many discussions about the topic. The book is well written for children, takes the subject seriously but has a cute sweet way of dealing with it while getting the message out loud and clearly.

Bossy Bear is about a little bear who wants everything his way. Constant fussing and demanding drives all his friends away. Still unchanged, he demands a balloon from a turtle that willingly give it to him and says, "You don't have to be bossy." and tells the expressionless bear, "Let's go."

The characters are so cute and will grab your and your kids attention.

David Horvath is brilliant. His book Bossy Bear has great art and the story is as good. It's a simple story, but funny and teaches a lesson at the same time. Children will love it and adults can appreciate it as well.

Everyone should own a copy of Bossy Bear.

The Bosy Bear helped my ASD child understands that being bossy it's not a good choice.