Perfect Picture Book Friday: Big Bear Hug

  • 3.02.2012



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!

   
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36 comments

  1. Delighted2 March 2012 at 15:28

    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!

    ❤First Grade Delight❤
    imgoingfirst@gmail.com

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  2. Unknown2 March 2012 at 15:37

    How cute are those illustrations!?!
    Jennifer

    First Grade Blue SKies

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  3. Barbara2 March 2012 at 15:47

    Looks WoNdErFuL!! Thanks for sharing . . . big cyber-bear hug back!

    Barbara

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  4. Kimberley Moran2 March 2012 at 16:31

    Love this book. Thanks for the links.

    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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    Replies
    1. Barbara2 March 2012 at 21:33

      Thanks Megan, Jennifer, Barbara and Kimberley. Love your comments!

      Delete
  5. Traci Clausen2 March 2012 at 18:12

    HOW adorable is that bear hugging that moose!?!
    You know... I keep thinking I have enough books - then you go and post stuff. :D
    ❤ Dragonflies in First ❤

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  6. Susanna Leonard Hill2 March 2012 at 19:07

    What 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!

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  7. Laura2 March 2012 at 19:31

    You are introducing me to so many great books! Look forward to these Friday posts!

    Laura
    Peace, Love, and First Grade

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    Replies
    1. Barbara2 March 2012 at 21:34

      You're welcome Susanna and Laura. I look forward to PPB Friday too!

      Delete
  8. Chrissy2 March 2012 at 19:43

    I 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!
     Chrissy

    First Grade Found Me

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    Replies
    1. Barbara2 March 2012 at 21:34

      You're welcome, Chrissy. I hope it works :)

      Delete
  9. Patricia T.2 March 2012 at 20:39

    Okay, 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.

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    Replies
    1. Barbara2 March 2012 at 21:35

      You're welcome, Patricia. Thanks for visiting :)

      Delete
  10. Amy D2 March 2012 at 21:35

    Wow, that tree of life art project looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Barbara2 March 2012 at 21:36

      Yeah, it's pretty cool, isn't it? And it's for young kids too!

      Delete
  11. BAK Pack Photography3 March 2012 at 02:37

    This looks like such a wonderful book.
    Thanks for sharing!
    I was wondering if you were designing any more blogs yet?
    ❀Beth Ann❀
    Taming My Flock of Firsties
    bakteach16@gmail.com

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  12. Busy Bees3 March 2012 at 04:09

    Aw, 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!
    Robynn
    BusyBees

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  13. Joanna3 March 2012 at 04:36

    I love that bear and the themes of this book. Great PPPF addition!

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  14. Stacy S. Jensen3 March 2012 at 11:18

    I 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.

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  15. Michelle Tsivgadellis3 March 2012 at 15:33

    Come check out your new award (hopefully new)...hehehe

    Michelle

    The 3AM Teacher

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  16. Runde's Room3 March 2012 at 21:07

    Oh 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 ...

    Jen
    Runde's Room

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    Replies
    1. Barbara4 March 2012 at 13:47

      Thanks Jen!! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing your art -- it's always so beautiful.

      Delete
  17. Kirsten Larson4 March 2012 at 12:17

    What a great book! I love the illustrations as well as the message. Thanks for sharing it!

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  18. Vivian Kirkfield4 March 2012 at 18:40

    Even 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.
    Love your resources and activities...they are fantastic!!! Thank you so much for bringing this to the PPBF list. :)

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  19. Penny Parker Klostermann4 March 2012 at 19:03

    Oh...the illustrations! I was hooked just seeing them. And then to hear how sweet the story sounds....definitely on my list :•)

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  20. Unknown5 March 2012 at 07:06

    Hi!
    I love this post! I love books. Can't wait to get my hands on this book!
    Your blog is really pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara6 March 2012 at 17:31

      Thanks, Reagan!
      I think you'll really like the book:)

      Delete
  21. Anonymous5 March 2012 at 10:42

    Hi Barb
    Audrey

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  22. Mrs. Nunley5 March 2012 at 14:12

    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!
    -Megan

    First Grade Magic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara6 March 2012 at 17:31

      That's so sweet, Megan. Thank you VERY much!

      Delete

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