Parents' Guide to

Bear Came Along

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Bear finds he's not alone in fun, eye-opening adventure.

Book Richard T. Morris Picture Book 2019
Bear Came Along Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

The river at the heart of this story didn't know it was a river until BEAR CAME ALONG. Once Bear falls into the river on a log, he doesn't know he's on an adventure until Froggy jumps on, followed by two Turtles, Beaver, two Raccoons, and Duck. They hurtle toward a waterfall, but the peril turns into a thrilling, fun ride as they rejoice that, sink or swim, they're all "in it together."

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This rollicking animal adventure shows how much you can learn about your world -- and how much fun you can have -- when you go with the flow and team up with new friends. The repetition of "until" keeps the momentum and suspense going: Bear didn't know he was on an adventure until Froggy jumped on, the Turtles didn't know how to enjoy the ride until Beaver showed up, etc. Duck didn't know there was a world to see until they all plummet over a waterfall to a big, glorious pond below.

LeUyen Pham's engaging cartoon-like art underscores the personality and strengths of each animal. And the variation in perspectives -- sometimes from above, sometimes close up, sometimes far away, sometimes in strips like a comic -- keeps readers glued to the action. Author Richard T. Morris' concluding lines are: "So many different animals living their separate lives, but they didn't know they were in it together ... until ... the river came along." In an author's note at the back, he writes, "Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to embrace the other, especially when that other is so different. But it is through this connection that we truly discover our best selves -- our strengths, our weaknesses, our fears, our courage. This story says, 'Take a chance!' 'Hop on board!' 'Work together!' 'Trust each other! 'Share the adventure!'"

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about teaming up in a dangerous moment in Bear Came Along. Have you ever faced danger with other kids? How did being together help you get through it?

  • How do you like the art in Bear Came Along? What's your favorite picture? How does the artist show that the animals are scared? Or happy?

  • Have you ever fallen in a river or floated down one? How did it feel?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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