I’m so happy to have discovered this book, Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland. It’s one of the most charming books I’ve read in a while.
Title: Big Bear Hug
Author & Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2009
Genre: Juvenile Fiction (Ages 3 to 9)
Theme/Topics: Bears, Environment, Conflict Resolution
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.”
Classroom Connections:
1.Listen to the book on YouTube.
2. EEK (Environmental Education for Kids) has a ton of great links. They’re not necessarily bear or tree specific, but they have lots of experiments, stories, videos, and arts and crafts activities all related to the environment.
3. We made some brown bear art that you might like to try.
4. Hug a tree! Have you ever tried it? Apparently it increases levels of hormone oxytocin — the feel-good hormone. During COVID year the Iclandic Forest Service promoted tree hugging as a way of feeling better and less socially isolated.
5. There are SO many wonderful benefits to be had hanging out in a forest or living near trees. Check out this article from Wild Tree Adventures to read about all the healthy perks.
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!❤First Grade Delight❤imgoingfirst@gmail.com
How cute are those illustrations!?!JenniferFirst Grade Blue SKies
Looks WoNdErFuL!! Thanks for sharing . . . big cyber-bear hug back!Barbara
Love this book. Thanks for the links. Kimberley
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 ❤
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!
You are introducing me to so many great books! Look forward to these Friday posts!LauraPeace, Love, and First Grade
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! ChrissyFirst Grade Found Me
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.
Thanks Megan, Jennifer, Barbara and Kimberley. Love your comments!
Ha ha. Glad I could be so helpful 🙂
You're welcome Susanna and Laura. I look forward to PPB Friday too!
You're welcome, Chrissy. I hope it works 🙂
You're welcome, Patricia. Thanks for visiting 🙂
Wow, that tree of life art project looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, it's pretty cool, isn't it? And it's for young kids too!
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 Firstiesbakteach16@gmail.com
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!RobynnBusyBees
I love that bear and the themes of this book. Great PPPF addition!
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.
Come check out your new award (hopefully new)…heheheMichelleThe 3AM Teacher
You're welcome and YES I am 🙂
Thanks Robynn, Joanna and Stacy 🙂
Oooh, coming right over 🙂
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 … JenRunde's Room
What a great book! I love the illustrations as well as the message. Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Jen!! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing your art — it's always so beautiful.
You're welcome, Kirsten!
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. 🙂
Oh…the illustrations! I was hooked just seeing them. And then to hear how sweet the story sounds….definitely on my list :•)
Hi!I love this post! I love books. Can't wait to get my hands on this book!Your blog is really pretty!
Hi BarbAudrey
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!-MeganFirst Grade Magic
Thanks SO much, Penny and Vivian.
Thanks, Reagan!I think you'll really like the book:)
That's so sweet, Megan. Thank you VERY much!