I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Don't Worry Bear
by
Greg Foley
It is part of the Bear series and is a picture book in Hardcover edition that was published by Viking Books For Young Readers on March 27, 2008 and has 32 pages.
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Illustrator: Greg Foley
Other books in this series include [books_series]
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Thank You Bear, Good Luck Bear, Make a Wish Bear, I Miss You Mouse
Part of the Bear picture book series and revolving around a cuddly cub of a Bear.
In 2009, Don’t Worry Bear was nominated for the Charlotte Zolotow Award for Highly Commended Title.
My Take
Don’t Worry Bear is a story about a caterpillar going into his cocoon and explores the worry of one friend for another. It is so sweet as Bear goes out in all weathers, worrying about his friend.
I love the simple line drawings Foley uses with his brightly soft colors. The text is very readable for young children and to the point.
I do find it interesting that Foley chose to have Caterpillar turn into a silk moth. While I would have expected a butterfly, the moth does fit in with Foley’s simpler approach.
I’m loving Foley’s Bear stories. They’re simple, cozy, and heartwarming as they provide short allegorical lessons for children in a non-threatening way.
The Story
Bear makes a new friend, but then loses him too quickly when Caterpillar tells Bear that he is making a cocoon.
It’s a season of worry for Bear, as he wonders if Caterpillar will be safe? Will he be warm? Will he stay dry?
It’s a long winter, all through which Caterpillar reassures him that all is fine. But the day comes when Caterpillar’s cocoon is empty, and Bear begins worrying all over again.
The Characters
Bear is the primary character. Mouse is his best friend. Caterpillar is a new friend.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a soft gray background with a warm, cushy bear kicking back, relaxing, as he lies on his back, one leg crossed over the other, and one paw resting on his tummy. The title more than fills the upper left corner with its black wrought-iron-looking serif font with a green caterpillar reaching for Bear from the “y” of the Worry. The author’s name is teeny and in the same black in the lower left corner.
The title is one friend’s reassurance to another: Don’t Worry Bear.
