The Night Bear
What’s inside...
The Night Bear follows the nocturnal adventures of a bear who enjoys his nightly routine of munching on delicious nightmares that he finds hanging in the night sky. Each nightmare tastes like his favorite things, such as scribbly crayons or rain-soaked umbrellas. This whimsical tale takes readers through a fantastical world where dreams are tangible and can be eaten, exploring themes of fear, imagination, and comfort. After dark, the Night Bear goes on the hunt for his favorite delicious nightmares. But one night, he almost munches on a dream of unicorns and rainbows by mistake – yuck! It might not be his cup of tea, but surely there’s someone who might like it? Prize-winning husband and wife team Ana and Thiago de Moraes present The Night Bear: the perfect bedtime story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Night Bear dreams about after eating all the different types of dreams?
How do you feel when someone shares something with you, just like the Night Bear shares the night sky?
Why do you think the Night Bear only wants to eat certain dreams?
If you could create a dream for the Night Bear, what would it be about?
How do the colors in the book make you feel, and which one is your favorite?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation to mirror the emotions portrayed in the story. This helps children grasp the emotional context of the Night Bear’s activities.
Encourage your child to imagine their own 'dream menu' and describe what kinds of dreams they would eat, why, and how those dreams might taste. This activity enhances creativity and personal connection to the story.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This not only makes the reading experience more interactive but also aids in their recall and narration skills.
Post reading, spend a moment together looking at the stars or the night sky, relating it back to the book. This can bridge the connection between the story and the real world, enhancing the thematic understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The Night Bear celebrates the uniqueness of every individual by showing how the Night Bear enjoys different types of dreams, representing diverse foods. Each dream symbolizes different cultures and tastes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse backgrounds and cultures in their daily interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Night Bear uses his imagination to change nightmares into pleasant dreams, demonstrating the power of a creative mind.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to solve problems and turn negative situations into positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The Night Bear addresses and transforms scary dreams, which helps in discussing fears indirectly and understanding how to manage them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their feelings more clearly, helping them navigate emotional challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The Night Bear’s actions in transforming bad dreams show a deep understanding and sensitivity towards others' fears.
Real-World Application: By following the Night Bear's example, children can develop empathy towards their peers, understanding and reacting to their emotions effectively.