Perfect Picture Book Friday – The Little Bear

Hi, Everyone!

Are you ready for this week’s list of Perfect Picture Books? I am! And I have such a sweet one to start you off with!

Title: The Little Bear

Written & Illustrated By: Nicola Killen

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, June 28, 2022, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: first day of school, apprehension

Opening: “It was the night before school started and Ollie was feeling nervous.
She filled her little bear backpack, ready for the morning, and had one last practice lesson on the way to bed.”

text and illustration copyright Nicola Killen 2022, Paula Wiseman Books

Brief Synopsis: [From the publisher] “The end of summer can be a bittersweet time, and Ollie isn’t sure if she’s ready to go back to school. But the night before her first day back, Ollie dreams about a magical schoolhouse in the woods full of friendly little animals who make learning an adventure. When Ollie wakes up, she can’t wait to go to school!”

text and illustration copyright Nicola Killen 2022, Paula Wiseman Books

Links To Resources: 15 Fabulous Icebreaker Games for Preschoolers; 20 Creative Friendship Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers; if you were going to write a recipe for friendship, what would it be? A teaspoon or kindness? a sprinkle of fun? two heaping cups of great ideas? What do you think are the essential ingredients of friendship?

text and illustration copyright Nicola Killen 2022, Paula Wiseman Books

Why I Like This Book: I am such a fan of Nicola Killen’s books. They are all lovely, sweet, friendly, and comforting, and this one is no exception. Ollie is excited about school, but a little nervous. The night before school begins, she dreams that she follows an owl on a magical journey into the woods, where she finds a little school house filled with friendly animals. A little bear is standing outside looking nervous. Knowing exactly how he feels, Ollie suggests they go in together. One fun activity follows another and everyone has a wonderful day. When Ollie awakens in the morning, she is excited and ready for her first day! The story makes school look so fun and friendly that any young reader who is feeling anxious about school will feel encouraged to give it a try with a positive attitude. The art is charming – so appealing! – with a little cut-out like a magical door at the beginning and end of the journey, and highlights of shiny foil here and there to add sparkle. A sweet, quiet read that will reassure anyone who is apprehensive about their first day of school.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊

16 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday – The Little Bear”

  3. palpbkids says:
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    palpbkids's avatar

    Nicola Killen’s illustrations in her book, The Little Bear, capture my imagination from the start. The movement. The facial expressions. The warmth. Outstanding! Another stellar Paula Wiseman Books choice. Thank you Susanna for bringing this to our attention:)

  4. palpbkids says:
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    palpbkids's avatar

    I also would like to take this moment to thank Susanna for all the time and effort spends on giving/producing these amazing, informational and fun posts. Picture Book Fridays keep me on my toes by giving me the reminder/opportunity to check on newly published picture books as well as old.
    Thank you, Susanna:)!

  6. Jilanne Hoffmann says:
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    Jilanne Hoffmann's avatar

    Aw, first day jitters. Perfect for kids (like me) who are hesitant about firsts. And such sweet and friendly illustrations. Certain to make kids feel a little more ready to walk in the door. I, too, love your recipe for friendship idea. Thanks for the rec, Susanna!