Kind Mr. Bear (Storytime)

by Steve Smallman

Steve Smallman (Illustrator)

Kind Mr. Bear is very kind. He's always happy to help those in need. But the animals in the forest are so used to him being there, they start to take his help for granted. Then one day Mr. Bear gets ill and finds himself all alone in his cave. Will anyone come to help him?

This touching title from award-winning author/illustrator Steve Smallman shows that when it comes to true friends, kindness is something to give as well as receive.

Beautifully illustrated, QEB's Storytime series introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Featuring charming animal and human characters, the books explore important social and emotional themes like friendship, gratitude, perseverance, and overcoming fears. Discussion points for parents and teachers are also included.

• ISBN13: 9780711243354
• Publish Date: 19 November 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 2 July 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: White Lion Publishing
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 24
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Kind Mr Bear is a beautifully illustrated short read-along book for young readers by Steve Smallman. Due out 19th Nov 2019 from Quarto on their QEB imprint, it's 24 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a gently told story with a valuable message, appealingly presented. I liked that the forest animals realized after being told by the littlest mouse that Mr. Bear was ill and that everyone came together to help. There are a number of subtle takeaways from the book - that sometimes when people are used to always having another's help, when that help is missing, they can be resentful. The idea that even the smallest or least among us can have important insights and should be listened to. There's also a real sense of community coming together for the benefit of all.

This would make a really wonderful classroom read-along or library read. It would also be a great bedtime or read-to-me for the youngest. There are guided questions and resource ideas aimed at teachers/caregivers in the back. (I received an early eARC of the book, and the questions were placeholders from an earlier book, but the format will presumably carry over to this book with appropriate questions).

There is also an ex libris label (this book belongs to) on the flyleaf. I distinctly remember how much pleasure it gave me as a small person to ceremoniously write my own name in the space on my own books. I am -still- a voracious lifelong reader in no small part due to the joy of reading passed down by the people who gave me all those books all those years ago.

Possibly worth noting, the phrasing and idiom are ever so slightly British English leaning. On a careful read through, I couldn't see any direct spelling differences, but the text includes turns of phrase like feeling 'too poorly to fetch firewood'. There are no differences which present any problems in context.

This is a beautiful book. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.