A Little Brother to the Bear
Wood Folk Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Mooweesuk the Coon is called the bear's little brother by both Indians and naturalists, because of the many ways in which he resembles the 'big prowler in the black coat.' An absorbing chapter on the coon's secret habits begins this volume, followed by stories about the woodcock, the wildcat, the toad, and many other animals. Two chapters remarkable for their keen insight into the hidden life of animals close this volume,─one on Animal Surgery, describing some of the ways in which wild animals treat their wounds; the other on Hunting without a Gun, showing the joy of following even the large and dangerous animals with the desire only to be near and understand them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
300 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the bear and his little brother learned about each other by the end of their adventures?
Why do you think the author chose to show the relationship between the bear and his little brother? How does it reflect on our relationships with our siblings or friends?
How do the animals in the forest help each other? Can you think of ways we help each other in our family or community?
What feelings did you experience while reading about the bear's adventures? Were there any moments that made you feel particularly happy, scared, or excited?
If you could ask the bear or his little brother a question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations as the little bear.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, focusing on themes of friendship, cooperation, and understanding others, which are pivotal for emotional development.
Use the story as a stepping stone to introduce or discuss the concept of empathy. Ask your child how they think the bear felt in various parts of the book and why.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why they liked it. This not only enhances recall skills but also promotes critical thinking.
Create a ‘story sequel’ together where your child imagines another adventure for the bear and his little brother, helping cultivate creativity and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: Through detailed observations of wildlife, 'A Little Brother to the Bear' showcases the complex behaviors and emotions of various woodland creatures. Long's eloquent narrative helps children understand the creatures' lives from their perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this empathy by understanding and respecting the animals they encounter in their daily lives, whether they are pets, insects, or birds in their backyards. This can lead to more compassionate behavior towards all living beings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for nature
Explanation: The book highlights the interconnectedness of natural ecosystems and the impact of human actions on wildlife. This demonstrates the necessity of responsible behavior towards the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take responsibility for their surroundings by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-ups, cultivating a generation that values and protects nature.
Example Lesson: Observation and curiosity
Explanation: By exploring the woods and observing wildlife, the book encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity in readers. It emphasizes the importance of being attentive and inquisitive about the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the world around them, whether it is during a nature walk or investigating how things work at home, thereby enhancing their cognitive and perception skills.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The book vividly describes waiting quietly to observe animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them, teaching children the value of patience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that some of the best experiences come from waiting patiently, whether it's observing nature, awaiting their turn in a game, or mastering a new skill.