My Dad Is A Grizzly Bear
What’s inside...
A funny and frock-filled story for modern children who might want sequins and sparkles on their dresses--but also want pockets! Lucy and Aunt Augusta are dress shopping at the Fabulous Fashion Store, where there are various dresses to choose from. However, Lucy is in search of a dress with pockets to store her magical and nature-related items. Meanwhile, a playful, warm and funny story unfolds about a boy with a wild imagination and his lively family, created by Swapna Haddow and Dapo Adeola.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy feels about having a grizzly bear as a dad?
What are some ways the dad bear shows he cares for his family?
If you could have an animal as a parent, which one would you choose and why?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the boy and his bear dad?
What did you learn about family and love from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking them to draw their favorite scene.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the importance of family diversity and inclusion.
Help your child make connections by comparing the bear dad’s traits with those of people they know.
After reading, engage in a fun activity like pretending to be different animals with your child, exploring how each would care for their family.
Revisit the book on different occasions to uncover new insights or details in the illustrations or story that may have been missed initially.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The book portrays a child's perspective of their dad as a grizzly bear, showcasing the wonders of a child’s creative mind.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in imaginative play, which enhances creativity and problem-solving skills in real life.
Example Lesson: Family bonds
Explanation: Through the playful and loving interactions between the child and their 'grizzly bear' dad, the story highlights the strength of familial relationships.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the value of spending quality time with family, strengthening emotional connections and support systems.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The book's metaphorical depiction of the dad as a different creature emphasizes accepting and loving people for who they are.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and embrace individual differences in people around them, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Expression of affection
Explanation: The child’s admiration and affection for their dad, despite his grizzly bear form, illustrates healthy emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to openly express their love and affection, fostering positive emotional development.
Example Lesson: Use of humor
Explanation: The humorous comparison of a dad to a grizzly bear lightens the narrative, making it enjoyable and relatable.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the role of humor in communication and social interactions, aiding in social development.