Not Fair, Bear!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'Not Fair, Bear!' by Lorna Scobie, readers follow the story of Bear who feels things are not fair as he compares himself to his friends. Each friend has something special that Bear wishes he had, leading to jealousy and discontent. Through interactions with his friends and self-reflection, Bear learns the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing his own unique qualities. He discovers that comparing oneself to others isn't fair as everyone has their own strengths. The book imparts lessons on individuality, embracing oneself, and celebrating differences.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bear felt when he thought things were not fair? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
What do you think is the best way to deal with feelings of unfairness?
Why is it important to be considerate of how others are feeling?
Can you think of ways to help someone who feels like things are not fair?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by relating to your child’s own experiences with fairness or jealousy, making the conversation personally relevant. Emphasize empathy by asking your child to consider how the characters feel, and why. Encourage your child to think about solutions or better ways to handle situations, fostering problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding fairness
Explanation: In 'Not Fair, Bear!', Bear deals with emotions around fairness when he perceives unequal treatment compared to his friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and express their feelings about fairness, and understand that it's a common experience among peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking
Explanation: As Bear communicates his feelings, his friends learn to understand and empathize with his perspective, demonstrating the power of open communication.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to listen to others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and improving friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Bear and his friends work together to find a solution that makes everyone feel included, teaching collaborative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills at school or in play, learning to negotiate and solve conflicts in ways that consider everyone's needs.
Example Lesson: Emotional resilience
Explanation: Bear experiences frustration but learns to cope and seek help from friends, highlighting emotional management and resilience.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand its okay to have strong emotions and that seeking support is a healthy way to deal with them.
Example Lesson: Value of sharing and inclusiveness
Explanation: The resolution involves sharing and ensuring inclusivity, which underscores the importance of these values in friendships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of sharing and including others, fundamental skills for social interaction and community building.