I See You, Sad Bear
on Goodreads (85)
What’s inside...
A poetic and comforting story that explores emotional literacy and friendship, perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened and Be Kind. Sad Bear, why are you so sad? As we follow Sad Bear through a gloomy day, we can only guess at why he's so blue. Did you drop your ice cream on the ground? Was it your birthday and did all your friends forget? Or maybe there is no reason at all. You are just simply sad. Soon a friend arrives and tries his best to cheer up Sad Bear. But the truth is, everyone gets sad, and sometimes all we need is a friend by our side. For readers big and small, this moving and gentle tale takes on big concepts like sadness and empathy, helping young readers learn that offering comfort can mean lending a hand or an ear, or simply just being there.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bear feels when he's sad? What makes him feel better?
Can you remember a time when you felt like Bear? What helped you feel happier?
Why is it important to let others know when we're feeling sad?
How do the other animals in the story help Bear when he's sad?
What are some ways we can help our friends when they feel sad like Bear?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, point to the illustrations showing Bear’s expressions and ask your child how they think Bear is feeling at that moment.
Encourage your child to share their own experiences with sadness, reassuring them that it’s okay to feel sad and talk about it.
Use a comforting tone to discuss the theme of the book, making your child feel safe and understood.
After reading, spend some time together drawing pictures of different emotions or making up stories about helping a sad friend.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that their emotions are valid and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book models recognizing and naming emotions through the character of Sad Bear, who shares his feelings openly.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and express their own emotions, improving their emotional intelligence and ability to communicate feelings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As other characters interact with Sad Bear, they show kindness and understanding, teaching the value of seeing things from another's perspective.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be considerate and supportive when they encounter friends or family members who are feeling down.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Sad Bear faces challenges but learns to cope and find happiness again, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to find strength and bounce back from their own challenges or setbacks.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Through the support of his friends, Sad Bear begins to feel better, highlighting how relationships can positively influence our emotions.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to cultivate and rely on friendships during tough times, reinforcing the importance of a supportive social network.