The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold
#1 of 6 in Discover Fairy Tales Series
on Goodreads (2,126)
What’s inside...
When Bear, a mysterious young man, lands on Blanche and Rose Brier's doorstep in New York City, the two sisters have conflicting opinions on whether or not he is dangerous. Even as Blanche learns to trust him, her fears that Bear's friendship threatens their family prove terrifyingly true. A modern retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. Once upon a time... In New York City, a young, secretive street tough who calls himself, Bear, lands on the doorstep of two teenaged sisters. On the one hand, Rose is delighted with his surprising knowledge of literature, poetry, and music; on the other hand, Blanche is afraid of his apparent connections to drugs, murder, and a hidden treasure. Even as Blanche learns to trust him, her fears that Bear's friendship threatens their family prove terrifyingly true. Originally published in hardcover in 1997 as Snow White and Rose Red: A Modern Fairy Tale, Bethlehem Books released The Shadow of the Bear: Snow White and Rose Red Retold in paperback in 2002.
Character compass
Blanche Brier
Rose Brier
Bear
Mr. Freet
Edward Freet
Mrs. Brier
Fish
Discussion points
What do you think the bear represents in the story and why?
How did the characters' actions show courage or fear?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What is the importance of trust and loyalty shown in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Discuss the symbolism of the bear and other elements in the story, asking your child to think about what each might represent.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences of feeling brave or scared, linking them to the characters' journeys.
Pose hypothetical scenarios similar to those in the book, prompting your child to imagine and articulate their own responses.
Highlight the character development throughout the book, discussing with your child how and why the characters might have changed.
Talk about the themes of trust and loyalty, asking your child to provide examples of these virtues from the book and their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Shadow of the Bear' demonstrate bravery when confronting challenges, embodying the idea that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace challenges courageously, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of wisdom in decision-making
Explanation: The story highlights how making wise choices can lead to positive outcomes, illustrating this through the protagonist’s thoughtful actions and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This can guide children to think critically and make considered decisions, from choosing friends to handling conflicts.
Example Lesson: Sacrifice and its rewards
Explanation: Characters in the book often sacrifice their own desires for the greater good, which leads to both personal and communal rewards.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of selflessness and putting others first, enhancing their ability to empathize and cooperate in group settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming personal faults
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters confront and overcome their weaknesses, learning from their mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to perceive failures as opportunities for growth and to persist in improving themselves.
Example Lesson: The power of true friendship
Explanation: The book explores the depths of genuine friendship, showing how true friends stand by each other in times of need.
Real-World Application: It instills the importance of building and maintaining strong, supportive friendships, helping children navigate social environments more effectively.