Bear and Bee – Perfect Picture Book Friday

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bearTitle: Bear and Bee

By Sergio Ruzzier

Published by Dysney, Hyperion, 2013

Ages: 3+

Themes: bears, bees, sharing, prejudices

48 pages

Opening Lines:

“I am hungry,” says Bear.                                                                                                “Mmm… Honey.”

Synopsis:

Bear emerges from his hibernation cave with a distinct craving for honey. He spots a honeycomb, yum. The little bee by its hive offers bear some honey. But bear is hesitant because he knows that bees are big fearsome beasties not to be messed with. There ensures a hilarious interaction as bee gently exposes bear’s prejudices and bear discovers whether or not little bees share their honey.

Why I like this book:

What a clever, fun child-centric way of showing how easily we build up negative misconceptions about others and how often these prejudices are ridiculous and crippling. The illustrations are created with digitally colored pen-and-ink with big bold images of the characters against a simple spring background of blue skies, yellow-green grass, and fresh spring colors. The text is simple and sparse with typical kid-like responses, especially from bear. The only clothing is their footwear, which is priceless!

Resources/Activities:

  • Have a child describe an animal and the others guess.
  • Sergio’s website: www.ruzzier.com
  • The website Understanding Prejudice has some great activities for elementary kids
  • And in case you missed it, I did a fabulous interview with the author-illustrator on Wednesday, which you can see here.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book.  To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

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15 Responses to Bear and Bee – Perfect Picture Book Friday

  1. I had fun giving bee and bear voices reading this aloud – just for me!

  2. Joanna says:

    I heard Sergio read this aloud in Princeton, and I loved his two voices!

  3. A bear in flip-flops! That’s enough to make me want to open the covers. But a bear and a bee, each with preconceived notions about what the other is… that’s gotta be good. Thanks for sharing.

  4. So cute! Can’t wait to read this.I am working on my Pinterest boards this morning and this made a perfect addition to Books for the Letter B!

  5. Such a charming story. Sounds like something you’d write. The cover is engaging. Love the idea of unlikely friends. Nice choice today!

  6. Rhythm says:

    And it’s Mr Ruzzier! enough said! Looks pretty cute – and with a good message. I’ll be checking this one out! Thanks!!

  7. The bear and bee is a great unlikely pairing. Hopefully it doesn’t get kids cozying up to the little stingers! Just added to my list . . .

  8. Cute one, Joanna! And a good way to teach children about sharing/prejudices.

  9. Awww…. so cute. So true, we build up negative misconceptions, when often there is no need. Love this, thanks, Joanna.

  10. Kim Pfennigwerth says:

    Go away for a week then a weekend for a holiday and I feel like I have a month of catching up to do! So thankful I’m only a day behind on this one! I have added this to my list also, Joanna. Can’t wait to read this and I loved your interview with Sergio!

  11. Oh this like a good one. You may end up as Enzo’s personal librarian too. Julie R-Z already does this with her Friday picks. 🙂

  12. After the lovely interview with Sergio, I’m really psyched to read this!

  13. Sounds like a winner! And cute.

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