Sister Bear: A Norse Tale

by Jane Yolen

Summary: Halva is traveling with her trained bear to visit the King of Denmark when they stop for the night at a cottage where, they learn, a pack of trolls is about to make its annual Christmas Eve visit, causing trouble and making a big mess. Includes author's note about the story's origins.

This is a captivating tale with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations. This lesser known European folktale is wonderful for genre studies lesson units. However, is lengthy and I do not recommend reading this book aloud to a young class.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 4

In My Den

In My Den

by Sara Gillingham

Summary: What makes little bear's den so cozy? Is it little bear's warm earth and fluffy bed of leaves? Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little bear's den so cozy.

This board book’s text is mediocre, but the adorable bear finger puppet attached to the book is fantastic. The puppet can be used throughout the book because of a large hole in each page. This book is engaging for very young children and especially wonderful for children who are not interested in traditional books.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Gruff the Grump

 

Gruff the Grump

by Steve Smallman

Summary: When a grizzly bear, called Gruff the Grump by other animals, grudgingly listens to a small rabbit's pleas for help, she thanks him with simple gifts that reveal to him how dark and lonely his life has become.

This is a fantastic story for discussing moodiness in children themselves or adults. The moral is you have to give up being grumpy in order to be happy.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3 

Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Polar Opposites

Polar Opposites

by Erik Brooks

Summary: Ambrose, a polar bear, and Zina, a penguin, are very different but they can still find ways to meet in the middle.

This is an adorable book about how despite differences, animals, or people can be friends. I also like it because as a child I was confused between the “North Pole” and Antarctica.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Children Make Terrible Pets

Children Make Terrible Pets

by Peter Brown

Summary: When Lucy, a young bear, discovers a boy lost in the woods, she asks her mother if she can have him as a pet, only to find him impossible to train.

This is a humorous book can be used to discuss appropriate behavior for children at home and at school.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Ugly Pie

Ugly Pie

 by Lisa Wheeler

ummary: After baking a scrumptious ugly pie, made from ingredients donated by his neighbors, Ol' Bear invites everyone over for a slice. Includes pie recipe.

This is a fantastic book for reading aloud because of its repetitive nature. It would also be wonderful for reading before a cooking lesson, especially if making a pie or following the pie recipe at the back of the book.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 2

Me and You

Me and You

by Anthony Browne

Summary: An urban retelling of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story, told from the baby bear's perspective.

This delightful fractured fairytale has a wordless Goldilocks story with realistic looking illustrations on the left side of each page. I enjoyed that Goldilocks is more of a red head than the usual bleach blonde girl I was exposed to as a child. On the right side of the page is baby bear’s story with cartoonish illustrations.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Goodnight Baby Bear

Goodnight Baby Bear

by Michael Shoulders

Summary: Nightly, the members of a bear family that values books and reading share a personally inscribed book and a cookie with Baby Bear to celebrate milestones and memorable days in his life. Includes recipe for honey oatmeal cookies.

This is a precious picture book that is terrific when used as a bedtime story.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Shells! Shells! Shells!

Shells! Shells! Shells! 

by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Summary: When Buddy Bear and his mother go to the beach, she teaches him all about shells and mollusks. Includes facts about shells.

This picture book is lengthily, but very cute. The illustrations are part drawing and part photograph of real shells. I would not recommend this book as a read aloud to a class, but I recommend reading it alone with one child.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Tumble

Tumble

by Maria Van Lieshout

Summary: When three little bears find a red toy to play with and Tumble claims it for his own, this proves to be not such a good idea.

This is a short book with little text on each page which allows it to be used for discussing sharing with very young children. For slightly older readers, it can be used to discuss that it is important to give because sometimes in life you will need other people’s help.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2