Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili

When Bear sits on a bench in the meadow, he thinks

"I love being a bear. I love my cookie. I love my book. I love my balloon. And I love sitting on my bench all by myself."

But then Fox wants a spot on the bench, Wolf asks for a bite of cookie, Rabbit wants a turn with the book. And Elephant would really like the balloon... Bear's day is not what he expected but will he share? Or will he explode?

From the get-go, our little ones are taught to share their things, but what happens when you have given away all you have? Do you speak up and risk the wrath of those around you, accused of being selfish? Or do you learn the art of saying "no" without hurting feelings or feeling guilty? Do you really have to give away some of the things you hold dear? Are you ever allowed to just let your frustration go?

While Bear's words say one thing, his expression and the clever use of font say another, giving the reader the opportunity to consider his body language and speculate on what he is really thinking, offering yet more lessons in how to "read the room", particularly if the adult sharing the book begins a conversation about these sorts of non-verbal cues and clues.

While this is primarily aimed at the preschool child who is learning about operating in the world of family and friends, it also has implications for those a bit older as they also learn to develop respectful relationships and that it is not only okay to say no, but sometimes it is essential.

Navigating the world of relationships, especially in this time of political correctness and social politeness where there is always someone who will take offence, is tricky for the most mature of us, and so retreating to Bear's isolated world of a bench, a book and a balloon seems to be idyllic but because, as John Donne said. "No man is an island", we must learn to map and walk our path carefully. even though sometimes we want to, can and do scream AAAAAARGH! (Or words to that effect and who cares about the consequences!).

Themes: Bears, Sharing, Cooperation.

Barbara Braxton