Parents' Guide to Bear Says Thanks

Bear Says Thanks Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Regan McMahon By Regan McMahon , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 3+

Warm animal story celebrates gratitude and friendship.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 3+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 4+

Based on 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

It's autumn and Bear tucks himself into his cave, but then gets bored and misses his friends. He decides to make a feast and invite his friends, But his cupboard is bare. Just then his pal Mouse stops by with a huckleberry pie, and Bear says, \"Thanks!\" The Hare brings muffins, Badger brings fish, Gopher and Mole brig nuts, and so on till there's a big feast for the animal friend to share. Bear says \"Thanks\" after every contribution, and they all say \"Thanks\" at then end of the feast.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 3 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

BEAR SAYS THANKS is warm and positive and visually very appealing in its autumnal palette. Each animal has lots of personality, and they really convey how deep and meaningful their shared friendship is. It has a wonderful message about gratitude any day, but would be an especially good choice around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why it's important to say "Thanks" or "Thank you." Why do you think parents and teachers want you to get in the habit of saying it?

  • What's fun about animal stories?

  • If you've read any other books in the Bear series, how do you think this one compares? Do you like it as much as the others you're read?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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

Bear Says Thanks Poster Image

What to Read Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate