There's a Bear in the Bath
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
One day Liza looks out of her window and sees a bear in the garden. She invites him in for tea, and discovers to her surprise that, although he's a bear, he doesn't like porridge or honey, but likes crisps and coffee, dancing to the radio and doing crosswords. Jam is a bear who drinks coffee, whips through crossword puzzles, and loves to tango. He might take a dip in your bathtub, too--if it's big enough. What kind of day would you have with a bear like that? Liza is about to find out.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the bear felt when he was in the bath?
What would you do if you found a bear in your bath?
Why do you think the bear went into the bath in the first place?
How do the other characters in the book react to the bear in the bath?
What can we learn from the bear's adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more interactive and fun.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story to enhance their analytical thinking.
Relate the bear’s experiences to your child’s own experiences with baths or encountering something unexpected.
Discuss the characters' reactions and ask your child how they would react in a similar situation.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book or to draw what they would do if they met a bear.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: In 'There's a Bear in the Bath,' the characters collaboratively brainstorm and trial various ideas to get the bear out of the bath, showcasing problem-solving steps.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving strategies when facing challenges at school or home, such as sharing toys or completing a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters express concern for the bear’s feelings and comfort rather than just wanting to remove him for their convenience, demonstrating empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to consider others' feelings and perspectives, helping them build stronger relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book must work together to resolve the issue of the bear in the bath, illustrating the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others during group activities at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Creative Thinking
Explanation: To solve the problem, characters in the book use creative solutions, which highlights the significance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination and think outside the box in various situations, be it in solving puzzles, crafting projects, or creative writing.
Example Lesson: Handling Unexpected Situations
Explanation: The sudden appearance of the bear in the bath presents an unexpected situation, teaching children the need to adapt.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to stay calm and think clearly when unexpected situations occur, such as changes in daily routines or unexpected school assignments.