This book makes use of rhythm as well as rhyming words to tell a story about a what occurs when a bear is asleep for the winter. While the Bear Snores On, other forest animals seek shelter in his cave, and enjoy each other's company. The illustrations add to the story line, by showing how cozy, warm, and inviting bears cave is in comparison to the bitter cold winter that howls outside. With each new character that enters, the animal brings some new food to share with their newly met friends. When bear finally wakes up, he is upset that he finds all the animals in his cave because he feels that he was left out. When the tiny mouse offers food to the bear, and includes him in their fun, he cheers up. On the last page, the sun comes out, and the cold winter storm is gone. The author captures the joys, as well as insecurities that children often face when meeting new friends, as well as the joy that sharing can bring.
You have picked some books with adorable cover art for this assignment...most of them I have wanted to read even before reading your blog! Rhythm and rhyme are excellent techniques that make books truly memorable for the youngest readers. They are the ones that you remember years and years later, when you are an adult! The theme of friendship is so important, especially at a young age. This sounds like it might be a helpful read-aloud for children before the classroom gets a new student to emphasize the importance of sharing and being a good friend.
ReplyDeleteAww this story sounds so precious! And who hasn't felt left out once or twice in their life? I think that kids will really identify with the bear in this story because elementary school is filled with insecurities about friendship, but its great that in the end the bear makes friends with all the other forest animals! This would be a great read aloud for a classroom at the beginning of the school year or like Heather said, before a new student arrives so that kids are more aware of others' feelings.
ReplyDeleteI've also read this book aloud a few times to different classes and the kids love it. They definitely identify with the story and are also entertained by it. You've reviewed a number of stories with great morals for kids.
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