Care Bears
#1 in Care Bears Series
What’s inside...
Lift the flaps to join in with the Care Bears as they play a game of hide-and-seek. In another tale, sisters Naomi and Jude uncover a mysterious letter from an elf named Rylkin, leading them on an adventure to the North Pole. There, they encounter various magical characters and uncover the secrets of Christmas, in Richard C. Stuecker's THE NORTH POLE LETTERS, a story full of holiday charm and the spirit of the season. Early one December morning, sisters Naomi and Jude wake up to an unusual noise echoing through their Victorian home. Rushing downstairs, they discover a mysterious envelope lying in front of the fireplace. The letter is from an elf called Rylkin, and will lead them into the heart of the North Pole's secrets and adventures. Among others, they meet Billybags, a crafty trickster; Jons the brave Ranger; Beejee the magical storyteller; Haggars the inventive genius and Merry Belle, who safeguards the legends and songs of old. Full of holiday charm and the spirit of the season, Richard C. Stuecker's THE NORTH POLE LETTERS is a journey into the magic of Christmas that will fill your heart with joy.
Discussion points
What feelings did you notice the Care Bears expressing in the story? How did they handle these feelings?
Which Care Bear did you relate to the most and why?
How did the Care Bears help each other in the book? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
What do you think is the most important message the Care Bears are trying to share?
If you were a Care Bear, what would your special symbol be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of each Care Bear, making the story more relatable and engaging.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they feel or what they would do in a similar situation, promoting empathy and self-reflection.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's everyday experiences, such as discussing times when they felt similar to the characters or faced similar situations.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or Care Bear, using art to express understanding and connection to the book's themes.
After reading, spend some time discussing the importance of caring and sharing, reinforcing the book’s values in a practical, real-world context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In 'Care Bears', the characters often share their belongings and feelings, demonstrating the joy and bond it creates among them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys or snacks with their peers, fostering a sense of community and cooperation at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Value of Empathy
Explanation: The Care Bears show a great deal of empathy towards each other's feelings. This helps in resolving conflicts and understanding each other better.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond sensitively, helping them build stronger friendships and handle conflicts effectively in real life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story often has the Bears working together to solve problems, highlighting how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can participate in group activities or team sports, learning how collective effort can achieve goals that might be difficult individually.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: The Care Bears are vocal about their emotions, teaching kids the importance of open communication about one's feelings.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to talk about their feelings can help them manage emotions and reduce anxiety or frustration.