Gentle Ben (Puffin Modern Classics) [Paperback]

Walt Morey (Author), John Schoenherr (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 2006 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Puffin Modern Classics

The Alaskan wilderness is a lonely place for Mark Andersen, especially after the death of his brother. But Mark finds a friend named Ben, who happens to be an Alaskan brown bear. Ben and Mark form a special bond, but the townspeople are determined to destroy it. It is only through the strength of an enduring friendship that Ben—and Mark—have a chance of being saved.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"More than a fine animal story…. Gentle Ben is a memorable reading experience.” —Library Journal

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (February 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142405515
• ISBN-13: 978-0142405512
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Death & Dying
  • #58 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Death & Dying
  • #86 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Boys & Men > Fiction

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story that will stay emblazoned in your mind for years to come, and warm your heart, February 8, 2006

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gentle Ben (Puffin Modern Classics) (Paperback)

Mark Andersen leads quite a lonely existence in the Alaskan wilderness, where he lives with his mother and father. Things wouldn't be so lonely if his older brother was still around, but since his death, Mark has been devoid of contact with anyone even close in age to him. Due in large part to the fact that he's the smallest boy at school - at least for his age - and risks injury if he plays with the stronger boys, so he keeps to himself. That is, until he discovers a friend named Ben. Ben isn't your average friend. He's an Alaskan brown bear "brownie," who is larger than life, and frightens anyone who sees him. Except for Mark. Mark knows how gentle Ben is, and quickly befriends him. Mark and Ben discover that they are much more like one another than anyone could possibly know, and forge a strong bond. But when the local townspeople find out about Mark and Ben's relationship, they are determined to destroy it. Even if it means destroying Ben.

Animal stories always have a strong place in my heart, so when I discovered Walt Morey's GENTLE BEN, I knew that I would adore the story. And I did. Much like Sterling North's RASCAL, GENTLE BEN captures the essence of falling in love with a wild animal, and keeping it as a pet, even when the world is against your decision. It's about the special bond that humans and animals hold with one another. Mark is a lovable character, whose small body, but strong mind, make him the ideal friend for Ben. While Ben is a character that will never be forgotten, based solely on the kindness in his heart, and his laugh-out-loud antics. A story that will stay emblazoned in your mind for years to come, and warm your heart.

Erika Sorocco

Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! Very interesting!, March 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Gentle Ben (Paperback)

This is a book about a young boy who has a special friendship with an Alaskan Brown Bear named Ben. Ben is not only gentle, but very loving and loyal to his owner, Mark. The author describes Ben so well that it sounds real. This is the most interesting book I've ever read. Brendan Parra, Nazareth School, 5th grade.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I HATE BOOKS BUT I LOVE THIS ONE!, February 12, 2000

By 

Ian (Tampa,FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gentle Ben (Paperback)

I love this book! I have read 7 books but I only liked 2. And this is one of them. This book is a great book for 4th-7th graders. The vocabulary is very hight. The srory brings tears in your eyes but laghfter to your heart!I recomend this book to very parent or child.