The Bear in My Family
by Maya Tatsukawa (Author)
An overbearing older sibling can really be a bear, but the child in this understated, gently humorous story finds out that they can have their advantages, too.
"I live with a bear," the story's young narrator declares. The bear is loud, messy, uncouth, and very strong (too strong!). For some reason, his parents treat the bear like family, despite his protests. Why can't they see? Then he runs into some bullies on the playground. When the bear ROOAARS with all her might and scares them away, he realizes that there are advantages to having a bear in the family. In a delightful twist, the narrator's older sister (the bear) appears, telling him that she is NOT a bear. But if she is, HE is too--because two bears are even better than one!
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Publishers Weekly
"I live with a bear," says the narrator, a boy in a yellow sweater. Said bear, who is big and blue and sleeps in the next room over, is a piece of work: loud, bossy, a food-swiper ("Too slow!" blurts the bear, grabbing some of the boy's breakfast), and a noogie-giver. The boy's parents will hear nothing of the bear's boorishness: "For some reason, my parents think the bear is family." But when bullies at the park target the boy, having a bear in the family suddenly comes in handy. "ROOAARR!" says the bear, and the bullies scurry away. Maybe the bear is kind of like having... a big sister? Debut author Tatsukawa puts a fresh spin on a familiar story of sibling estrangement and rapprochement, with a precocious, comically plaintive protagonist and naïf digital images that have the look of textured paper. The bear, while made of simple shapes with minimal detail, puts off a totemic sense of authority and a preadolescent insouciance-- a powerful combination that any younger sibling should instantly recognize. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
PreS-K—"I live with a bear" states the book's unnamed human boy. As he describes it, this is one scary bear, with a loud roar, fierce appetite, and bossy attitude. Family or not, his parents just don't understand. After some further reflection and an interaction with a few neighborhood bullies, the boy sees the benefits of having a bear-ish older sibling. Tatsukawa's tale features endearing artwork. Sentences and a handful of dialogue balloons are brief, leaving most of the room for the digitally textured art, which almost looks like stamp work. For a debut title, this picture book is very well paced, and nicely emphasizes how even children at odds can connect. As the boy learns, sometimes they will get on each other's nerves, but they are there for each other; they are family. VERDICT Simple and sweet. A story that should resonate with siblings.—Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Kirkus Best Children's Book of 2020 ★ "A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Tatsukawa puts a fresh spin on a familiar story . . . that any younger sibling should instantly recognize." —Publishers Weekly Little ones with older siblings in particular will likely appreciate the boy's gradually shifting perspective, as well as the warm portrayal of the multifaceted nature of sibling relationships. —Booklist
Tatsukawa's digital art balances off-kilter geometry and soft textures, with our blackish, blockish bear lumbering around, appropriately dwarfing the brother . . . Younger siblings will find this a refreshing change from the many books portraying the new baby as the problematic interloper. —BCCB
For a debut title, this picture book is very well paced, and nicely emphasizes how even children at odds can connect . . . Simple and sweet. A story that should resonate with siblings. —School Library Journal Younger sisters everywhere should relate to our protagonist's point of view—and his eventual realization: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. —Horn Book
JUV051000 - Juvenile Fiction | Imagination & Play
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
Families
Family life
