Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous illustrations and warm message of love over time.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BEAR IS A BEAR, a young girl's stuffed animal friend is more than just a bear. He is her protector, her fellow explorer, a pirate, a bookworm, a scientist, and a dreamer. But most of all, he is full of love. His love is constant, even as her life changes and he fades into the background -- but then emerges again, full of love and friendship, when she's in a new phase of her life.
Is It Any Good?
Dan Santat's gorgeous, colorful illustrations are the first thing readers will notice about this beautiful book, and Jonathan Stutzman's kind words bring warmth and love to each page. Bear Is a Bear is a wonderful way for young kids to see their feelings of love and attachment to beloved stuffed animals brought to life, and to know that these friends can be with them their entire lives.
The words are simple, rhythmic, and combine realities of life with kids' imaginary life with their stuffed animals, and the illustrations capture facial expressions perfectly. This is a great read-aloud book, especially at bedtime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the girl's relationship to her stuffed animal in Bear Is a Bear. Which stuffed animals do you bring with you? Which one would be the one to join you as a scientist, an explorer, an artist, a protector?
Ask your grown-up which stuffed animal friends meant the most to them when they were your age.
What other books about special friendships have you read? Which are your favorites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dan Santat
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : September 14, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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