The Bear That Heard Crying (Picture Puffin Books) [Paperback]

Natalie Kinsey-Warnock (Author), Helen Kinsey (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Picture Puffin Books

A fictionalized retelling of the true story of three-year-old Sarah Whitcher, who, in 1783, became lost in the woods of New Hampshire and was protected by a bear until her rescue four days later.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this fictionalized retelling of an event that occurred in the summer of 1783, three-year-old Sarah Whitcher wanders into the New Hampshire woods and disappears. After four days, a community search party comes upon Sarah's footprints with bear tracks beside them, and concludes the worst: "She's been torn to pieces!" The next day, a stranger appears, claiming that he has seen the child in a dream. The vision leads to Sarah's rescue, and the community celebrates her safe return with a great feast. Readers will be intrigued by the authors' real-life connection to the story's heroine (Sarah is an ancestor of sisters Kinsey and Kinsey-Warnock). Although Rand's watercolors include some cliched poses (as when Sarah curls up beside the bear with her hands neatly clasped under her head), their luminous gray-green palette is appropriately woodsy. Without being overtly cute, Sarah's ursine rescuer is a particularly benign and cozy presence. Plainly told, this sturdy tale exudes comfort. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

In 1783, three-year-old Sarah Whitcher (the authors' great- great-great-great-great-aunt) wandered into the woods near Warren, New Hampshire; four days later, she was found by a man who had dreamed that she under a particular pine, guarded by a bear. Some of the searchers--who found Sarah surrounded by bear tracks--recorded this experience, as did Sarah herself, years later. Alternating between Sarah's journey (unafraid of the endearingly gentle animal because she thinks it's a ``big black dog,'' she curls up next to it and goes to sleep) and the family and neighbors' search, the authors re-create the incident in a simple, direct narrative enlivened with dialogue and authentic detail. Rand's settings--especially the darkening forest, in luminous shades of gray-green, and the soft, furry bear--are beautifully painted; his humans are a bit trite and over-pretty, but that's a small flaw in an unusually appealing slice of Americana. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140558543
• ISBN-13: 978-0140558548
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Bears > Fiction

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for nature lovers and close family ties., November 5, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Marquette, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bear That Heard Crying (Hardcover)

A delightful story especially since it was based on true facts. I chose this book to read to a 1st grade class and they loved it. They could identify with it and shared their feelings. You could tie this story in with Thanksgiving time since the family was anxious to get their little girl back after being lost in the woods for 4 days. What a comfort the ("big black dog" as Sarah put it) friendly bear was to her. The illustrations were perfectly matched with the text. Some double-paged spreads to focus on the momments were communicated and bright/dark colors were used to create the mood. I would highly recommend this book because of the "homey" feeling you get when immersed in it. My daughters really enjoyed it as well, and after reading it, we respected and appreciated animals (bears) more. I would like to thank the authors Natalie Kinsey Warnock and Helen Kinsey for writing this intriguing story, and also Ted Rand for his artistic talent...Beautifully done!! Sincerely, Debby Matchulat; Marquette, MI

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fabulous book to be shared with generations!, January 14, 2002

By 

Elissa Wolf (Beautiful, Sunny, Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bear That Heard Crying (Hardcover)

This was one of my favorite books as a child. It left such an impact, that I checked it out from the library dozens of times. I remembered it as simply "Sarah's Story," and initially had difficulty finding it in our local library. This is among our favorite family books, one that I look forward to sharing with future generations. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is told engagingly. Be sure to share this wonderful TRUE story with any child that you hold dear.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love animals, you'll love this book., September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bear That Heard Crying (Picture Puffin Books) (Paperback)

This tale of a wild animal caring for a human child is very touching. It is beautifully written and illustrated. I read this to my class last year and again this year. They hang on every word.