Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
| Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: A beautifully illustrated tale of a bear getting lost in the woods. Whilst not the best work from these authors, it's still well-worth a look. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 40 | Date: September 2008 |
| Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Books | |
| ISBN: 978-1847382504 | |
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A bear is out for a walk in the deep, dark woods, but then the sun starts to set and the bear feels scared. As he shivers with cold and fear, his friends form a search party to bring him safely home. It's a classic tale of being lost, worried, cold and alone, but with safety never too far away.
Bear Feels Scared has plenty of rhyming, alliteration and repetition. Every section is punctuated with and bear feels scared, which parents and children will love saying together, and may even sow the seeds for recognising some words. There's a delightful rhythm throughout, but I was a little disappointed by some of the rhymes: he feels big fears felt forced, as did rhyming wind with friend. It certainly doesn't spoil the book, but it could have been a little better.
Jane Chapman's illustrations are beautiful. The flowing brush strokes suit the fur, grass and rain perfectly. The bear's personality shines through, and you want to give him a big hug to ease his fear. His little pals all have wonderfully expressive faces.
I'd have liked Bear Feels Scared much more had I not just read Where Is Home, Little Pip? by the same authors. Bear Feels Scared is a lovely book, but Little Pip is noticeably better: it has a more involving storyline, better use of words, and the snow looks even more beautiful than the rain. If it's a direct choice between the two, then plump for Little Pip.
Despite this, Bear Feels Scared still gets a well-deserved thumbs up. If you wouldn't want to cuddle up under the blanket with the bear in his warm cave, you've got a heart of stone.
Thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
As well as Where Is Home, Little Pip?, if you liked this, you'll also like The Bear in the Cave by Michael Rosen and Adrian Reynolds, and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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