Thank You Bear [Hardcover]

Greg Foley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: March 15, 2007 | Age Range: 3 and up | Lexile Measure: 380L (What's this?)

Early one morning, a little bear found a little box.

He looked inside. Then he exclaimed,

“Why, it’s the greatest thing ever! Mouse will love this.”

Bear’s friends aren’t so sure of his newfound treasure, however. “That’s not so great,” says Monkey. “I’ve seen those before,” says Owl. And by the time Bear finds Mouse, his own doubts have grown. But Mouse has the last say when he looks inside the little box. “It is the greatest thing ever,” he tells his friend. “Thank you, Bear.”

Part mystery, part fable, this deceptively simple story of true friendship is perfect for the very youngest reader. It is sure to tug at your heart.

Good Luck Bear is the 2008 winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 1—Bear has found something fantastic-a little box that Mouse will just love. But by the time Bear shows it to his friend, he is unsure of his gift's value, because everyone he has met along the way has pooh-poohed it as either too small, too ordinary, or better in someone else's hands. But Bear and Mouse aren't friends for nothing. Sure enough, Mouse agrees that the box is "the greatest thing ever." Bear's journey from euphoria to doubt to euphoria again is gently rendered. There is not a lot of detail in this book, but not a lot is needed. Pastels provide the backdrop for the text, while Bear and his detractors stand in contrast on a white page, carrying the story with their expressions and body language. Young listeners, particularly those who understand the value of leaves and stones and bottle caps, will love this book. They will hope that Bear will remain steadfast and trust in Mouse, who rewards Bear's thoughtfulness with the gratitude of a true friend. Absolutely charming.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA
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From Booklist

Pleased to find a small, empty box, Bear calls it "the greatest thing ever!" and he decides to take it to his friend Mouse. Along the way, he meets Monkey, Owl, Fox, Elephant, Squirrel, and Rabbit, but no one really appreciates his find. Bear begins to doubt his earlier enthusiasm until Mouse comes along. After listening to Bear and exploring the box inside and out, Mouse pronounces it "the greatest thing ever!" and curls up inside it for a nap. Designed and illustrated with a minimum of fuss, the book can be enjoyed by very young children, while somewhat older ones may want to talk about how they feel when others don't value the things they treasure. In his first picture book, author-illustrator Foley shows unusual restraint in letting essential lines, areas of flat color, and a little stippled shading illustrate the equally spare text. In an age of visual glitz, this simple picture book speaks in a refreshingly unpretentious way. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (March 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670061654
• ISBN-13: 978-0670061655
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Story, Beautifully Drawn April 6, 2007

By K. Hickey

Format:Hardcover

With its refreshing, pared down style and a simple but deeply resonant message, Thank You Bear is a delight for children as well as the grown-ups in their lives. Touching on important themes like generosity, diversity and self-doubt, it is ultimately a beautiful tale of friendship and the depths of the heart. A Must for your child's collection; one to keep and pass on. My children adore it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book with a nice lesson March 24, 2007

By R. C. Galinsky

Format:Hardcover

Thank You Bear teaches the timeless lesson that we should be happy with what we have, and not be concerned with what other people tell us we need. It tells this lesson, but not in a pedantic way. The story is simple and fun, and the illustrations and characters are wonderfully appealing. My kids, 8 and 4, both loved it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful little book May 6, 2007

By a reader

Format:Hardcover

I thought about purchasing the book because my grandson is called Bear and the illustrations are simple and lovely. Then I read it. Wow.

Powerful message and oooohhh so simple. Eloquent book of few words.