The Bear in My Family

by Maya Tatsukawa

Overview

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!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780525555827
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	03/10/2020
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Maya Tatsukawa is a children's book illustrator and designer residing just outside of Boston. The Bear in My Family is her first book.

Editorial Reviews

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor
Kirkus Best Children’s Book of 2020
2021 ALSC Notable Children’s Books List

★ “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

From the Publisher

★ 2019-12-18
A young boy describes the bear that lives with him.

The story opens on the face of an unhappy kid who lives with a bear. The protagonist goes on to show a diagram of the bear, who has "sharp teeth," "mean eyes," and "strong arms." The bear is loud, roaring when the narrator is trying to sleep. The bear is "messy," "bossy," and "always hungry," even stealing the narrator's food. The bear is "strong" and plays a little rough. The kid tries to tell Mom, but she dismisses the protagonist, suggesting some outside play in the park. At the park, three bigger kids start bullying the narrator, who suddenly wishes there were a bear to help out—and there's the bear! After this rescue, the kid realizes that sometimes having a bear can be pretty great. It seems having a bear in the family is a lot like having an older sibling. Tatsukawa writes and illustrates a metaphorical but completely accessible tale for any child who has an older sibling. Displayed in a combination of printed text and hand-lettered speech bubbles, the writing is simple and straightforward. The illustrations have a textured-paper look, with cute details, such as the protagonist's bee sweater and the lion, snake, and shark sweaters the bullies wear. Narrator and family present Asian, and the other kids have a variety of skin tones and hair colors.

A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews