Bear Says Thanks



Last updated Monday, December 12, 2016

Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 1416958568
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2016

Synopsis: What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends! Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks—a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do? Young readers will delight in discovering the special gift Bear has to share.

Note to readers:
•  Instead of a picture walk-through, read the inner cover that outlines the story.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you do when you are bored and miss your friends?
•  Do you like to eat with your friends?
•  Do you think it's nice to share?

Vocabulary

•  delectable - tasty, delicious
•  batch - a group
•  stroll - to walk slowly
•  bare - empty
•  fret - worry

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What nice things did Bear's friends bring?
•  Do you share with friends?
•  Do you think Bear has good friends?
•  What food would you bring to share?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of Bear and his friends having dinner together.
•  Make a wreath for winter. Use colorful ribbon tied into bows.
•  Make a card for your friend to say thank you for being a friend.
•  See ideas or examples on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2016-winter-and-the-spirit-of-giving/

Special activities:
•  Talk about big dinners with family and friends.
•  Play a guessing game with the kids, using the characters as the subjects.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!