Bearnard Writes a Book
What’s inside...
In Bearnard Writes a Book, Bearnard the bear sets out to write a book for his best friend Gertie the goose, who craves a story filled with danger and excitement. But Bearnard, prioritizing her safety, faces a dilemma in crafting a tale that satisfies her adventurous spirit while ensuring her well-being. The journey explores themes of friendship, creativity, and compromise.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Bearnard to write his own book?
How did Bearnard feel when he faced challenges in his writing? Have you ever felt similar?
What are some ways Bearnard could improve his story? What would you do differently if you were him?
Why is it important for Bearnard to share his story with others? Have you ever shared a story with someone?
How do you think Bearnard's friends helped him in his writing journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to relate Bearnard's experiences to their own, fostering empathy and self-expression.
Discuss the value of perseverance and sharing one's work, highlighting similar experiences from the child's life or from your own.
Promote creativity by asking the child how they might have ended the story differently or what kind of book they would write if they were Bearnard.
Strengthen reading comprehension by asking your child to recap the story in their own words before diving into deeper discussion topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Bearnard faces multiple obstacles while trying to write his book, but he continues to try despite the difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenges, whether it be in their studies, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Bearnard uses his imagination to craft unique stories, showcasing how creativity can lead to wonderful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in problem-solving and to express themselves through art, writing, or play.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Through his writing, Bearnard expresses his thoughts and emotions, which helps him understand himself better.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of expressing themselves, possibly through journaling, art, or other forms of personal expression, which plays a crucial role in emotional development.
Example Lesson: The value of feedback
Explanation: Bearnard learns to accept constructive criticism from friends, which ultimately helps improve his book.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that feedback is a helpful tool for improvement, not just criticism, whether it concerns schoolwork or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Sharing knowledge
Explanation: By writing a book, Bearnard shares his knowledge and experiences with others, contributing to a learning community.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of sharing knowledge and the impact it can have on their community, encouraging them to help peers and engage in community-oriented projects.