Brown Paper Bear
What’s inside...
When Jess goes to stay at Grandad's house she thinks it's awfully bare and lonely. But then she discovers a special bear, wrapped in brown paper and hidden away in a cupboard, which whisks her away on a magical adventure. Soon Jess is marching with a set of tin soldiers, dancing with a beautiful china doll, and riding on a gleaming toy train. Jess is sick in bed, and to make her feel better, Granddad promises her a brand-new teddy bear. But before she drifts off to sleep, Jess notices a small door that magically opens. Jess unties the ribbon around a brown paper bag and finds a careworn old teddy bear inside. He takes Jess on a wonderful adventure through the night sky to a place where toys come to life. Jess marches with toy soldiers, rides a toy train, and dances with a porcelain doll before she returns home to her loving grandfather.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Brown Paper Bear felt when he was trying to find his way home?
How do you think the other characters in the story helped the Brown Paper Bear?
What would you have done if you met a bear like the Brown Paper Bear?
Why is friendship important, as shown in the story?
How did the story make you feel at the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they expect from a book about a bear, enhancing their anticipation and curiosity.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would interact with the Brown Paper Bear.
Discuss the emotions depicted in the book, and relate them to real-life situations to enhance empathy and understanding.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character, reinforcing their connection with the story.
Use the themes of the book, like friendship and perseverance, to start a conversation about everyday challenges and ways to overcome them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Brown Paper Bear', the bear's journey and interactions with other characters teach children about understanding and acknowledging the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in their peers and offering comfort or help when needed.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, despite being made of paper, bravely navigates through challenges. This exemplifies the importance of courage and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their fears and challenges in school or in social settings with bravery, just like the paper bear.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The unique concept of a bear made of paper sparks imagination about the endless possibilities of what one can create or become.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to engage in creative activities such as drawing, crafting, or storytelling, expanding their creative horizons.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, the paper bear learns the value of making friends and working together, showcasing the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building friendships and collaborating with others to achieve common goals, whether in play or group projects.