Bear Has a Story to Tell-this week at Perfect Picture Book Friday

Perfect Picture Book Friday looks at Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, a story about patience, caring, and friendship.

Do you remember coming home from school, bursting with a story about something amazing that happened to you or to a friend? Maybe you spent the whole day reviewing every detail because you didn’t want to leave out anything your family might find funny or fascinating. Finally, the end-of-the-day bell rings. You make a mad dash for home and burst through the front door. But instead of getting a chance to tell your story, your mother is on the phone, and it looks like she won’t be ending her call with Aunt Sylvie anytime soon. Your Dad is over in the neighbor’s yard, helping to fix a sputtering lawnmower. Your sister is dashing out the front door for her ballet class. The only one left to share your story with is Spot, and he’s in the middle of a tail-wagging, paw-prancing nap.

You wait…

You wait longer…

Dinner comes. The family, including Spot, gather at the table, and you can’t remember enough of your story to make it worth telling anymore. You sum up your day in a few words.

“It was fine.”

If this has ever happened to you, you’ll enjoy today’s picture book review beary, beary much!

Bear Has a Story to Tell

Written by- Philip C. Stead

Illustrated by – Erin E. Stead

Published by- Roaring Book Press – 2012

Topics – patience, caring, and friendship.

Opening – It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy. But first, Bear had a story to tell.

“Mouse, would you like to hear a story?” asked Bear with a yawn.

“I am sorry, Bear,” said Mouse, “but it is almost winter and I have many seeds to gather.”

Synopsis from Amazon – Bear found his friend Mouse, but Mouse was busy gathering seeds and didn’t have time to listen to a story. Then Bear saw his friend Duck, but Duck was getting ready to fly south. What about his friend Toad? He was busy looking for a warm place to sleep. By the time Bear was through helping his friends get ready for winter, would anyone still be awake to hear his story?

This endearing story of friendship and patience is a worthy companion to Philip and Erin Stead’s last collaboration, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal.

Why do I like this book? Many kids (and adults) will easily see themselves in this story and say, “I know what Bear is going through.” and “I know exactly how he feels.” But looking past Bear’s problem of wanting to share a story with his busy friends, Bear’s generous caring nature shines through far brighter as he puts the needs of others before his own. I found so much to love in this tender and touching story, and I hope if you read Bear Has a Story to Tell, you will feel the same way, too.

Learn more about Philip C. Stead HERE.

Learn more about Erin E. Stead HERE.

Until next Friday.