A Bear Called Blue
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
A heartwarming story about a young girl who finds solace and friendship in a bear called Blue as she navigates through the complexities of life and the emotions that come with it. The heartwarming tale of a lost bear who never gives up hope of finding his best friend Harriet―even after many years have passed―from award-winning author Frances Stickley.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Blue Bear missed the most when he was lost?
How do you think Blue Bear felt when he was trying to find his way back?
What did the girl do that showed she cared about Blue Bear?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone just like the girl helped Blue Bear?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as Blue Bear?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Blue Bear’s situation, linking their emotions to the character’s experiences.
Highlight the theme of caring by discussing the acts of kindness in the story and asking your child to point out other moments of caring behavior.
Strengthen connection by comparing the story to your child’s personal experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and personal attachment to the narrative.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to make the story more engaging, altering your voice for different characters and using facial expressions to convey emotions.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book where they felt most connected to the characters or the most emotional, and discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'A Bear Called Blue', the story revolves around the deep bond between a child and their beloved teddy bear, depicting the highs and lows of their friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and nurturing relationships, understanding that friendships require empathy and care.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The narrative gently addresses the theme of loss when the teddy bear becomes lost, teaching children about dealing with emotional pain and recovery.
Real-World Application: It helps children grasp the concept of loss in a relatable way and encourages them to express their feelings and seek comfort.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Hope
Explanation: As the child in the story searches for Blue, the bear, it showcases their determination and hope.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to face challenges with a positive outlook and to never give up, no matter the situation.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Play
Explanation: Blue, the bear, is part of many imaginative adventures, highlighting how creativity can enrich life.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in imaginative play, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills.