Brave Bear [Paperback]

Kathy Mallat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2004 | Age Level: 2 and up

Brave Bear overcomes his fears to help a friend in this delightful picture book tale of courage and friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this slight book, a T-shirt-clad teddy bear sees a bird drop out of its nest and manages to climb a towering tree to return it. Each line of text is spoken by the bear, from "Are you all right?" and "Can I help you?" (he's very polite) to "I'm not sure that I can..." and "We're almost there." Mallat (Seven Stars More!) sets the duo against a foggy forest floor, intimidatingly tall straight trees and sponged leaves, with branches poking out of the picture frame. The perspective suggests just how tall the trees look to a small, apprehensive bear about to climb one. In the last image, the bear and bird, safely back in the nest, are set off against a circle of sun with the words "I did," providing closure. While this book praises kindness and shows the rewards of brave persistence, the text is too schematic. Given the slow pacing and only the merest suggestion of characterizations, the book, however well intentioned, doesn't quite make it, even if the bear does. Ages 2-5. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1 A little bear wants to help a baby bird who has fallen out of his nest. He musters up his courage and together they slowly inch their way up the tree. The story unfolds through short, evocative sentences: "I'm not sure that I can but I'll try," "I'm scared." The text allows young children to imagine themselves in the furry brown cub's situation. The delightful illustrations provide the details: the bird's disappointment when the bear expresses his initial doubts, the complication when his striped shirt gets caught on a branch, the cooperation between the two new friends that results in success. This is a gem of a picture book that is a great catalyst for discussion about emotions and overcoming fears, and a perfect choice for beginning readers. Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802776132
• ISBN-13: 978-0802776136
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #601,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK, March 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Brave Bear (Hardcover)

I think this is a great book and there are some awsome drawings on it...it is a great book for younger kids who are learning about helping and sharing with each other

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches Early Reading, September 7, 2000

By 

Ana Tristan (Beecher, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brave Bear (Hardcover)

Because the text accompanying the illustrations is concise, my three year old son has easily memorized all of the sentences. I'm sure the next step is "reading" each sentence for each dramatic event in this attention grabbing story. We've been reading it every night for two weeks solid.

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Gift - Great Read, March 17, 2011

By 

snowinhere "it's cold!" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brave Bear (Paperback)

The mother of the 2 year old I bought this for loves (and hates) this book. WHY? Because her daughter has asked mommy to read it to hear before bed every single night since. What a great gift!!!!