Title: Big Bear Hug
Author & Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2009
Juvenile Fiction (Ages 3 to 9)
Theme/Topics: Bears, Environment, Conflict Resolution
Opening: There once was a bear so filled with love and happiness that whenever he roamed the forest and came across another living thing, he would give it a hug. Everywhere he wandered, the bear shared his love hug by hug.
Synopsis: (from Quill & Quire, Amazon.ca): This first picture book by artist and filmmaker Nicholas Oldland is a warm-hearted fable for the very young. Issues of conservation, confrontation, and love for all living things are spun together in the humorous and charming story of a bear who loves to hug everything -- even creatures that other bears might be inclined to eat or attack. When this affectionate, tree-loving bear encounters a man with an axe looking to cut down one of the oldest, tallest, and most beautiful trees in the forest, the bear's mood changes, but he quickly realizes that non-violent action may be just as effective as angry confrontation.
Why I Like This Book: Actually, I LOVE this book! Being a vegetarian and quiet environmentalist, its non-violent, loving approach to a sadly common problem (cutting down our forests) immediately appealed to me. The illustrations are simply done in soft greens, blues, greys and browns, which gives a feeling of peacefulness to the book. The language is also simple, but charming and to the point. As one Amazon reviewer commented, "This book is adorable and has such a perfect message, especially for a budding young Buddhist - love not war."
Resources:
![]() |
Click on the pic for a YouTube reading |
EEK (Environmental Education for Kids) has a ton of great links!
Deep Space Sparkle has a great art lesson inspired by Kevin Henke's picture book Old Bear:
Click here to see more Perfect Picture Books.
Sending big bear hugs your way .... and hoping your weekend is wonderful!
Big Bear Hug ~ I'm in love with the book and all I have seen in the cover of it. Thanks for sharing the absolutely adorable book!
ReplyDelete❤First Grade Delight❤
imgoingfirst@gmail.com
How cute are those illustrations!?!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Looks WoNdErFuL!! Thanks for sharing . . . big cyber-bear hug back!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Love this book. Thanks for the links.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Thanks Megan, Jennifer, Barbara and Kimberley. Love your comments!
DeleteHOW adorable is that bear hugging that moose!?!
ReplyDeleteYou know... I keep thinking I have enough books - then you go and post stuff. :D
❤ Dragonflies in First ❤
Ha ha. Glad I could be so helpful :)
DeleteWhat a lovely book with a lovely message! I haven't read it yet, but I will have to - it sounds wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing it with us - and the great activities as always!
ReplyDeleteYou are introducing me to so many great books! Look forward to these Friday posts!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Peace, Love, and First Grade
You're welcome Susanna and Laura. I look forward to PPB Friday too!
DeleteI love Deep Space Sparkle too. That bear is great! Thanks for your help with the header on my blog. I sent you an email too. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDelete Chrissy
First Grade Found Me
You're welcome, Chrissy. I hope it works :)
DeleteOkay, the cover really got me! But, as I read on and discovered the message was about conflict resolution, it really peaked my interest. Such a great story for kids. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Patricia. Thanks for visiting :)
DeleteWow, that tree of life art project looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's pretty cool, isn't it? And it's for young kids too!
DeleteThis looks like such a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I was wondering if you were designing any more blogs yet?
❀Beth Ann❀
Taming My Flock of Firsties
bakteach16@gmail.com
You're welcome and YES I am :)
DeleteAw, what a great book. I am going to do a teddy bear picnic theme in the spring and this would be a great "bear" book to read to them!! I have never seen this book. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRobynn
BusyBees
I love that bear and the themes of this book. Great PPPF addition!
ReplyDeleteI love the environmental theme in this book. I'm going to check it out. Thank you. I hope we can teach our children to love more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robynn, Joanna and Stacy :)
DeleteCome check out your new award (hopefully new)...hehehe
ReplyDeleteMichelle
The 3AM Teacher
Oooh, coming right over :)
DeleteOh my goodness - I haven't "dropped by" in a while, and I must have missed your new design. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your new header!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! Wait until you see our new art project (hopefully posting pics next Friday) - there's something familiar about that tree ...
ReplyDeleteJen
Runde's Room
Thanks Jen!! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing your art -- it's always so beautiful.
DeleteWhat a great book! I love the illustrations as well as the message. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kirsten!
DeleteEven without the awesome illustrations, the message captures my attention and respect. Young children will LOVE this...I will definitely get a copy and add it to my reading list for my school programs. So important to expose little ones to the imnportance of conservation and preservation of the environment.
ReplyDeleteLove your resources and activities...they are fantastic!!! Thank you so much for bringing this to the PPBF list. :)
Oh...the illustrations! I was hooked just seeing them. And then to hear how sweet the story sounds....definitely on my list :•)
ReplyDeleteThanks SO much, Penny and Vivian.
DeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I love books. Can't wait to get my hands on this book!
Your blog is really pretty!
Thanks, Reagan!
DeleteI think you'll really like the book:)
Hi Barb
ReplyDeleteAudrey
I'm passing on a lovely award to you. I know that you have already received it, but you have always been so encouraging to me, that I felt that you deserved it again. Don't worry about passing it along again, though!
ReplyDelete-Megan
First Grade Magic
That's so sweet, Megan. Thank you VERY much!
Delete