Something About a Bear
What’s inside...
This lyrical picture book, illustrated with stunning watercolor paintings, describes eight bears from around the world in their natural habitats: Black Bear, Polar Bear, Sloth Bear, Spectacled Bear, Sun Bear, Panda, Moon Bear, and Brown Bear. Set against the backdrop of a river teeming with salmon, the narrative poses the question of which bear is the best, ultimately concluding that the reader's own teddy bear holds that title.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes each bear unique in the story?
How do the bears’ habitats differ from each other?
Why do you think the author chose to show us so many different types of bears?
How do you feel when you see the illustrations of the bears and their environments?
What can we do to help bears and other wild animals stay safe in their homes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story and characters to life. Change your tone and pace when reading about different bears to emphasize their uniqueness.
Pause after introducing each bear to allow your child to observe the detailed illustrations and ask what they notice about the bear’s appearance and surroundings.
Link the story to real-world issues by discussing the importance of wildlife conservation and habitat protection after reading about each bear’s environment.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the bear feels in its surroundings and why it's important to respect wildlife.
After reading, consider looking up more facts or videos about bears together to extend learning and satisfy any curiosity sparked by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for wildlife diversity
Explanation: Throughout 'Something About a Bear,' Jackie Morris showcases various types of bears in their natural habitats, teaching children about the diversity and uniqueness of wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and value the biodiversity around them, understanding the importance of conservation and empathy towards all creatures.
Example Lesson: The significance of natural habitats
Explanation: The book illustrates different bears living in environments best suited for their needs, highlighting how each creature thrives in its particular habitat.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of preserving natural habitats for the survival of wildlife and apply this understanding to local and global ecological discussions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and lifelong learning
Explanation: By presenting detailed and fascinating facts about each bear, the book fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature and science in young readers.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to seek more knowledge and ask questions about the world around them, fostering a habit of lifelong learning and observation.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: Seeing the world from the perspective of different bears, children can develop empathy for animals, understanding their needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: This empathy can translate into more compassionate behavior towards pets and wildlife, fostering a caring attitude towards all living beings.
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling in cultural identity
Explanation: By integrating folklore and myths about bears from different cultures, the book connects children with various cultural narratives, showing how storytelling shapes our understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect different cultural histories and their narratives, enhancing cultural awareness and inclusivity.