Big Bear Was Not the Same
What’s inside...
One scary day can change everything . . . Little Bear loves the woods, his home, and going on adventures with his best friend, Big Bear. Big Bear is so big, strong, and brave, always protecting Little Bear and helping him feel safe. However, when Big Bear is caught in a forest fire, he changes. Even after escaping, he is haunted by fear when ordinary things in the woods remind him of the traumatic event. As Little Bear observes the changes in his friend, he wonders how his once fearless friend can now be so scared, and how he can help as a good friend. In 'Big Bear Was Not the Same,' Joanna Rowland, author of the bestselling book 'The Memory Box,' delicately introduces young readers to the common feelings of fear, anxiety, and anger that can follow a traumatic event, and teaches them how to have empathy and compassion for themselves and others experiencing trauma. The book includes additional information from a family therapist on how to discuss trauma with children.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Big Bear
Big Bear’S Friend
Discussion points
How do you think Big Bear felt after the scary event? Can you describe it?
Why is it important for Big Bear to have friends like Bunny during tough times?
What are some ways Big Bear’s friends helped him feel better?
Can you think of a time when you were scared or upset? Who helped you, and what did they do?
How did Big Bear change by the end of the story? What did he learn about himself and his feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings by relating to Big Bear’s experiences. Ask them to think about times they’ve felt similar emotions and how they handled it. Use the story to discuss the importance of support from friends and family during challenging times. Highlight the coping strategies used by Big Bear and his friends. This promotes empathy and understanding, fostering a deeper discussion about resilience and emotional support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Supporting Friends Through Trauma
Explanation: The story showcases Big Bear helping Little Bear navigate his fears and anxieties after a forest fire, demonstrating empathy and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when their friends or family members are upset or scared and explore ways to help them feel better, fostering empathy and supportive behaviors.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Little Bear's journey through his fears and eventually finding joy again teaches resilience and the ability to recover from traumatic events.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it’s normal to feel sad or scared after something bad happens, but with support and time, they can heal and find happiness again.
Example Lesson: Importance of Expressing Emotions
Explanation: The book encourages Little Bear to express his feelings rather than keeping them bottled up, guided by Big Bear’s patient and understanding demeanor.
Real-World Application: Children learn that talking about their emotions is a healthy practice and that it's okay to express when they’re feeling down or scared, which can aid in emotional development and mental health.
Example Lesson: Healing Power of Nature
Explanation: As Little Bear spends more time in the natural surroundings of the forest, he begins to heal from his trauma, suggesting a connection between nature and emotional recovery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage with nature as a way to find peace and calmness during tough times, promoting mental wellness and a healthy lifestyle.
Example Lesson: Power of Friendship and Community
Explanation: The support Little Bear receives from Big Bear and other woodland friends highlights the strength and healing that comes from being part of a caring community.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of building strong, supportive relationships and how community can help individuals overcome challenges and trauma.