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Old Bear (by Kevin Henkes)

common sense media says

Gentle tale of one bear's hopeful, playful dreams.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that is a beautiful book about a bear, the seasons, and dreams he has about things he loves.

Educational value: The bear dreams of all four seaons, attributes of which can be pointed out and discussed with toddlers.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.

More on Old Bear

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the seasons. What does each one look like? Or feel like? What about the bear? What does he do in the fall? The winter? The spring or summer? What does he dream about when he's hibernating? Why? Which season do you like best? Which season do you dream about when you sleep?

What's the story?

What's the story?
As a lumbering, cuddly brown bear hunkers down for his long winter hibernation, he dreams he is a cub again, frolicking through the four seasons and all the pleasures they bring. Finally, he awakes and can hardly believe his eyes when he walks out into a blossoming spring world.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Any book by Kevin Henkes is worth having, and this one is no exception. With the usual broad outlines and familiar watercolors, Henkes has filled OLD BEAR with striking illustrations that give the simple tale a tone as beautiful and pleasant as the world Old Bear loves. His dream world is filled with giant pink crocuses and butterfly leaves of spring, blueberries that fall from the sky during a summer rain. Splashes of orange, yellow, and red fill the autumn world with salmon, birds, and leaves, and the winter world blazes with icy stars that fill the sky like fireworks.

It's easy to understand why Henkes has been called a genius because of the masterful way he merges simple, poignant stories with expressive, colorful paintings. His books have been awarded the Caldecott medal as well as New York Times Book Review honors. Though Old Bear may not be the best of his best, it's definitely a book worth sharing.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication date: August 19, 2008
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $17.99
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 6

This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age