Bear Came Along
What’s inside...
A cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community from a successful author and illustrator duo! Once there was a river flowing through a forest. The river didn't know it was capable of adventures until a big bear came along. But adventures aren't any fun by yourself, and so enters Froggy, Turtles, Beaver, Racoons, and Duck. These very different animals take off downstream, but they didn't know they needed one another until thankfully, the river came along. This hilarious picture book and heartfelt message celebrates the joy and fun that's in store when you embark together on a ride of a lifetime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Bear and his friends learned during their adventure?
How did each animal contribute to the journey and what does that teach us about teamwork?
How did the river change the animals' journey and what does that tell us about nature?
What emotions did you feel when the animals encountered obstacles?
If you were one of the animals on the journey, which one would you be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones and facial expressions when reading to mirror the excitement and challenges the characters face.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they would do next.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on their favorite part of the adventure.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork showcased in the book and relate it to your child’s everyday experiences with friends or in school.
Ask your child to predict what another adventure might look like for Bear and his friends, fostering creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Bear Came Along,' various animals join Bear on a log ride down the river. Each creature brings a unique skill that contributes to the journey, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of cooperating and combining strengths with others to achieve common goals in school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Understanding the joy of unexpected friendships
Explanation: As the river adventure unfolds, the initially solo Bear encounters other animals. These spontaneous interactions lead to friendships, highlighting how new and enriching connections can form in unexpected circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to forming new friendships in various settings such as in a new class, at the park, or during family gatherings, enhancing their social skills and emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Respecting and embracing individual differences
Explanation: The diverse group of animals in the book, each with distinct characteristics, work together and respect each other's differences, which is key to their adventure’s success.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to respect and embrace the differences among peers, understanding that everyone has unique traits that contribute positively to group dynamics.
Example Lesson: Adaptability in changing situations
Explanation: The story shows how the group of animals adapts when faced with the challenges and twists of the river. Their ability to stay calm and resourceful highlights the importance of adaptability.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain flexible and adaptable in the face of new or challenging circumstances, such as moving to a new place or adjusting to changes at school.
Example Lesson: The thrill and value of adventure
Explanation: ‘Bear Came Along’ illustrates that adventures can lead to wonderful outcomes, like new friendships and experiences, teaching children the value of exploring and trying new things.
Real-World Application: It motivates children to engage in new activities and experiences, whether it’s trying a new sport, learning a musical instrument, or participating in a school play, fostering growth and self-discovery.