The Valentine Bears Gift Edition (Holiday Classics)
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Mr. and Mrs. Bear have never celebrated St. Valentine's Day because they hibernate during the winter. But this year, Mrs. Bear has a surprise for Mr. Bear, and he might have something planned for her as well. A perfect holiday book to share with someone you love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mrs. Bear felt when she was preparing the Valentine's Day surprise for Mr. Bear?
What are some ways we can show love and appreciation to others, just like the bears did?
Why do you think it was important for Mrs. Bear to make Valentine's Day special, even though they usually hibernate during that time?
What was your favorite part of the Valentine's surprise and why?
If you were Mr. Bear, how would you have reacted to the surprise?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of love and kindness, and ask your child to provide examples of similar acts they've experienced or observed.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by comparing the holiday celebrations in the book with your family's traditions.
Foster empathy by discussing the efforts Mrs. Bear puts into the surprise and asking your child how they think that made Mr. Bear feel.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their ideal Valentine's Day surprise for a loved one, encouraging creative engagement with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of thoughtfulness
Explanation: In the story, Mrs. Bear goes through considerable effort to prepare a special Valentine's Day surprise for Mr. Bear, showcasing her thoughtfulness and care.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being considerate and thoughtful towards others, which can enhance their relationships and interactions in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Mrs. Bear's excitement in preparing the surprises for Mr. Bear illustrates the joy derived from making others happy through acts of giving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by finding happiness in giving gifts or doing kind deeds for friends and family, recognizing that generosity can be emotionally rewarding.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: Mrs. Bear wakes up early from hibernation to prepare for Valentine’s Day, demonstrating perseverance and dedication to make the day special.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of dedication in achieving goals, whether in preparing for an event or working on a personal project.
Example Lesson: Celebrating special moments
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of celebrating special occasions, like Valentine's Day, which strengthens bonds and creates enjoyable memories.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and look forward to special moments and celebrations within their own family and circle of friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Mr. Bear appreciates the effort Mrs. Bear puts into the celebration, showing empathy and understanding for her feelings.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of others, fostering empathy and stronger interpersonal connections.