The Rainbow Bear
on Goodreads (92)
What’s inside...
Snow Bear is captivated by a brilliant rainbow and longs to absorb its vibrant colors. When his wish is granted, he faces great danger and sadness because he loses his arctic camouflage. With the help of a kind little boy, Snow Bear learns how to become an ordinary snow bear again. This poignant story, illustrated with watercolors, explores themes of longing, transformation, and the guidance of others in times of need.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Rainbow Bear feels when he dreams about being different colors?
How do the other animals in the story react to Rainbow Bear's changes?
What can we learn from the Rainbow Bear's journey about embracing who we are?
Why do you think the Rainbow Bear wanted to change his color, and what does that tell us about our own desires?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to imagine what it would be like to change colors like the Rainbow Bear.
Pause at key moments in the story to discuss the Rainbow Bear's feelings and choices, connecting them to your child's own experiences.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, discussing why they chose that particular moment.
Highlight the importance of self-acceptance and discuss how everyone, like the Rainbow Bear, is unique in their own way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Rainbow Bear', the bear dreams of being different colors to experience the world differently. This illustrates the theme of empathy by showing the desire to see life from various perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others, fostering better relationships and community awareness.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story depicts how the bear's wish to be a rainbow bear leads him to face various challenges, teaching that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children think about the outcomes of their decisions, promoting more thoughtful and responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Respecting Nature and Wildlife
Explanation: The bear’s journey through different environments highlights the beauty and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in environmental conservation and to respect wildlife in their everyday actions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Freedom
Explanation: The Rainbow Bear ultimately realizes the value of his original life and the importance of freedom, after experiencing life in a zoo.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate their own circumstances and the freedoms they have, and to consider the impact of restricting the freedoms of others.
Example Lesson: Hope and Resilience
Explanation: Despite the hardships the bear faces, his enduring hope and resilience are central themes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of remaining hopeful and resilient in the face of challenges, understanding that hardship can lead to personal growth and change.