S&S/Paula Wiseman Books | 978-1665951104
Each month, I read stacks of picture books. Not just because I want to stay on top of what’s new from week to week and month to month, but also because, when I teach classes about writing picture books, I like to share new favorites with students.
Those of us who write them know that picture books are deceptively hard to get just right. On top of that, there really is no end to the many shapes and forms of successful picture books. For that reason, I’m always trying to better understand what makes a book work structurally as well as how authors create stories that resonate with young readers and the adults who read to them. Recently, as part of a assignment, a student shared BRAVE LITTLE BEAR with our class. I was smitten!
CLICK TO ENLARGE © text and illustrations by Steve Small
It’s the end of winter and Arlo’s sister, Eva is awake and eager to explore the world beyond their cave. Arlo prefers things just as they are. He likes to “curl up and fall asleep next to Eva and his mother…” But all this will change because “today, the three of them would travel from the only home Arlo had ever known.”
When Arlo’s mama whispers in his ear, “Follow me, my brave little bear,” Arlo isn’t sure. He wants to be brave, just like Eva, but will he be able to find enough courage for his first adventure into the unknown?
CLICK TO ENLARGE © text and illustrations by Steve Small
This sweetest of picture books, written and illustrated by Steve Small, is a heartwarming and cozy read, as well as reminder that we are all braver than we think. For writers, BRAVE LITTLE BEAR is also the perfect study of a character-based picture book with a strong emotional throughline.
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Enjoy these Activity Sheets to accompany Brave Little Bear, and this Read Aloud with the author: