Bears Don't Cry!
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Bears Don't Cry! is a heartwarming story about a young bear named Billy who is told by his father that bears don't cry. Despite this, Billy finds himself feeling sad and shedding tears. With the help of his friends, Billy learns that it's okay to express his emotions and that it's natural to cry. The book teaches children the importance of acknowledging and processing their feelings, and the value of friendship and support. In the sequel, George, a bear who lives with a little girl named Clementine and her mother, goes on an adventure to the library by himself. However, his trip ends in disaster and his library book is ruined. Through the support of his friends, George learns that it is okay for even big bears to cry, reinforcing the message that expressing emotions is natural and important.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the bear felt like he couldn't cry?
What are some things that make you feel sad or happy?
How do the other characters respond when the bear cries? What would you do if you saw a friend feeling sad?
How do you think crying helps the bear feel better?
What does this story teach us about showing our emotions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own emotions by comparing them with the bear's feelings in the story.
Use a comforting voice and ask the questions gently to invite your child to open up about their feelings, mirroring the nurturing theme of the book.
Highlight the reactions of other characters to the bear’s emotions, discussing the importance of empathy and understanding.
After discussing the questions, ask your child to draw a picture of a time they felt like the bear, helping them visualize and process their emotions.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the safe space you’ve created for such discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing emotions is healthy
Explanation: In 'Bears Don't Cry!', the main character, a young bear, learns that it's okay to show his feelings, even if it means crying.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it's important to express their emotions rather than bottling them up. This can help them manage their feelings better in social situations or at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Throughout the book, the bear's friends show understanding and support when he feels sad, teaching the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand how to be supportive friends and recognize when someone else might need a kind word or a helping hand.
Example Lesson: It's okay to be different
Explanation: The bear feels different because he cries, but learns that each individual has unique reactions and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to embrace their individuality and appreciate differences in others, fostering a diverse and inclusive mindset.
Example Lesson: Overcoming stereotypes
Explanation: The book challenges the common stereotype 'Bears don't cry' by showing that everyone, regardless of how tough they are perceived, has emotions.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to not judge others based on stereotypes, and understand that showing emotions is a strength, not a weakness.