Little Snow Bear
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Little Snow Bear is born at the top of the world in a land of snow and ice. He lives with his mother in a deep, warm cave. Winter comes and the sun disappears for long periods of time. Little Snow Bear wonders if it will ever come back. He sets out on a journey to find the sun, encountering the Northern Lights, Wise Old Caribou, Baby Seal and Blue Whale along the way. The story is brought to life with beautiful watercolour paintings that are both gentle and dramatic.
Discussion points
What do you think Little Snow Bear felt when he was exploring the Arctic?
How did Little Snow Bear's friendship with the other animals help him on his journey?
Why is it important to help others, just like the animals helped Little Snow Bear?
What would you do if you met a new animal friend like Little Snow Bear did?
How do you think the Arctic environment affects the adventures of Little Snow Bear and his friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Little Snow Bear and other characters, helping your child connect with their feelings.
Pause after moments of excitement or tension in the story to ask your child how they think the characters are feeling, reinforcing emotional comprehension.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times they have met new friends or explored new places, making the story more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine different endings or adventures for Little Snow Bear, fostering creativity and enhancing their engagement with the story.
Discuss the importance of the Arctic setting, and introduce basic facts about the Arctic to expand your child’s knowledge about different environments.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Little Snow Bear's interactions with other arctic animals, children learn about the importance of understanding and empathizing with others, even if they are different.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand their friends' feelings and perspectives, both in school and during play.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: The story portrays Little Snow Bear’s bravery as he explores new and unfamiliar territories. This illustrates the value of courage when facing the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be brave when trying new activities or when facing situations that are outside of their comfort zones, such as during a school performance or a sports event.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Little Snow Bear’s journey ultimately leads him back to his mother, emphasizing the significance of family and the comfort and safety it provides.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the idea of valuing family connections and turning to family for support during challenging times or when feeling lost or scared.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: As Little Snow Bear encounters different creatures and environments, his curiosity drives the narrative, highlighting the benefits of asking questions and actively learning.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to inquire about the world around them and embrace learning in various aspects of life, such as in nature, at school, or while interacting with others.