I AM A BEAR
Title: I Am A Bear
Author: Jean-Francois Dumont
Illustrator: Jean-Francois Dumont
Publisher: New York: Philomel Books
Year of Publication: 2006
Genre: Fiction
Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: Horn Book Guide reviewers rated the book a '1'
Summary: It is a heart touching story by Jean-Francois Dumont about an innocent bear who is treated harshly by city dwellers.
Being hungry and uncared, he looks up to people for love and attention, but is instead looked upon with hatred and displeasure. People's cruel treatment break the bear's heart until a little girl notices him. The bear forgets all the hardship he had suffered when the little girl shows fondness for him.
Review by [Shadab Ashraf]: Through the story of a bear, the author makes the point that the desire for love and acceptance is universal. The sad and lonely bear is back to life and feels invigorated on receiving attention and warmth from the little girl. Language of the text is descriptive. It intends to and succeeds in creating a picture in the minds of the people. Sentences are simple and easy to understand. Illustrations add detail to the narration. The otherwise bright and colorful illustrations are interrupted by grey images meant to express the gloominess in the bear's life.
Professional Review: Horn Book Guide categorized the book for grades K-3.According to Kirkus review, the author of I am a bear appeals to both sentiment and sympathy of the readers.
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This book would be useful when teaching…
I am a bear will be useful to help children identify emotions - sad, happy, excited, etc. The teacher can use the text to teach figurative language.