Fox And Bear: An Unlikely Pair
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Follow Fox on his journey in the foster system. After Ms. Duck takes him from his home to the Bear’s home, Fox must be brave and learn to adapt and accept love from new people.
Age
2-18
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Fox and Bear become friends despite being so different?
How did Bear feel when Fox helped him out? Can you think of a time you helped someone?
Fox and Bear solve a big problem together. What are some ways we can solve problems with our friends?
What are some qualities you look for in a friend? Do you see any of those qualities in Fox or Bear?
How do you think the story would change if Fox or Bear decided not to be friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use facial expressions and gestures to convey emotions similar to the characters. This helps children understand and connect emotionally with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists in the story, which stimulates creative thinking.
Ask your child how the characters' actions could be applied in their own life, relating fictional situations to real-life scenarios fosters empathy and moral reasoning.
Praise your child for providing thoughtful answers or unique perspectives. Positive reinforcement encourages deeper engagement and discussion.
Turn the conversation into a fun activity, such as drawing scenes from the book or role-playing as the characters, to deepen understanding and retention of the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship despite differences
Explanation: In 'Fox And Bear: An Unlikely Pair,' the fox and bear form a strong bond despite their stark differences. This story explores how they navigate their unique traits to build a friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity among their peers, learning to appreciate what makes each person unique and forming friendships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Fox and Bear work together to solve problems they encounter, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in group settings such as in school projects or team sports, understanding that collaboration can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges and must think creatively to solve them. This highlights the importance of problem-solving in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply critical thinking and creativity in their daily challenges, whether it's resolving conflicts with siblings or coming up with solutions in their studies.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Fox and Bear show empathy towards each other's fears and discomforts, which strengthens their relationship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being considerate and supportive towards others' feelings and perspectives, essential for building strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing adversity
Explanation: Despite the initial doubts and challenges, Fox and Bear persist in their friendship, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to not give up easily when faced with difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset that is crucial throughout life.