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Delivery Bear
Zogby wants to work for Fluffy Tail Cookies as a delivery animal―but he's a bear and all the other animals are cute bunnies. Zogby tries to pretend to be a bunny by wearing bunny ears, putting on whiskers, and adding a fluffy tail. But he still scares the customers! When Zogby realizes being himself is best, can he find a way to stand out and get the job?
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Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 5, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Delivery Bear, written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Paco Sordo, a story about learning to be yourself.
Zogby the bear has wanted to be a delivery animal since he was a cub. When he sees an ad for a cookie-delivery animal, he hurries to apply. But he faces discrimination from the get-go: the manager says that he simply doesn’t have the Fluffy Tail Cookie “look”. Zogby begs for a chance, and the manager hires him on a trial. His luck, however, seems to end there: at each delivery attempt, Zogby’s clients are terrified and scream at his arrival. Zogby sings the friendly company jingle, even attempts to make himself look more like a bunny, but to no avail. Dejected, he heads back to the headquarters, until the lyrics of the dutifully memorized jingle inspire him to win people over, simply by being himself.
I am conflicted on this one. The premise was promising, a clear reference to discrimination based on appearance and how unfair it is. JJ screamed with laughter during the delivery recipients’ exaggerated reactions to Zogby, and we were enjoying it. But when Zogby decides that he must take it on himself to earn the trust and acceptance of his prejudiced clients in order to keep his dream job… hmm. At the very least, Zogby was deserved an apology for the prejudice that literally drove him to tears, but he didn’t receive it – only acceptance once he assured people that he wasn’t a dangerous bear. Otherwise, the illustrations are very sweet, and Zogby is about as lovable a bear as I’ve ever seen. It’s a good way to start conversations about discrimination, but perhaps not the best way to end them. For the entertainment value and illustrations, this one is Baby Bookworm approved – just be sure to share with bookworms that snap misjudgments are never the fault of the person being judged.
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
February 3, 2019
Who wouldn't love a bear that has known since childhood that he wants to be a delivery bear? Well, a rabbit might have trouble with a delivery bear. And a mole. And a skunk. Almost any small animal might. And what's a bear to do?
A funny story kids will enjoy.
A funny story kids will enjoy.
September 28, 2018
All Zogby has dreamed of doing is being a delivery bear. When he finally sees his dream job posted at the local Fluffy Tail Cookies shop, he can’t wait to apply. The problem is, he doesn’t look like the rest of the Fluffy Tail Cookies staff since he’s a bear. But the manager decides to give him a trial run. Zobgy goes on his first delivery proudly singing the “Delivery Song” and when the Mrs. Rabbit opens the door, she screams. So does raccoon, porcupine, and squirrel. Zogby decides he just isn’t cut out for delivering cookies.
Then Zogby notices the very important words in his “Delivery Song”, You are special. You are you. He realizes that he is special and he just has to be himself. Zogby comes up with a new plan for delivering cookies and it just may make him the best delivery bear the town has ever seen.
I am a huge fan of Laura Gehl’s books and this one ranks at the top. Zogby just wants to do his job well and unfortunately, his customers don’t think he is the right animal for the job. At the beginning of the book, he is so excited to start his job and then, once rejected over and over again, he is gloomy and dejected. Parents and kids will relate to those feelings of being rejected by friends and co-workers and will be able to have a conversation about how this made Zogby feel.
The illustrations are silly and yet show Zogby’s changing emotions throughout the pages. The animal customers’ reactions are priceless and as your child travels through the story, they will realize how hurt Zogby is by their reactions.
There is a teacher guide/parent discussion guide available to go along with the book. I’ll be sticking this book and the guide in my subbing bag to use if I need a time-filler in the lower elementary classrooms. This book shares an important lesson on just being yourself that kids and parents can appreciate.
Then Zogby notices the very important words in his “Delivery Song”, You are special. You are you. He realizes that he is special and he just has to be himself. Zogby comes up with a new plan for delivering cookies and it just may make him the best delivery bear the town has ever seen.
I am a huge fan of Laura Gehl’s books and this one ranks at the top. Zogby just wants to do his job well and unfortunately, his customers don’t think he is the right animal for the job. At the beginning of the book, he is so excited to start his job and then, once rejected over and over again, he is gloomy and dejected. Parents and kids will relate to those feelings of being rejected by friends and co-workers and will be able to have a conversation about how this made Zogby feel.
The illustrations are silly and yet show Zogby’s changing emotions throughout the pages. The animal customers’ reactions are priceless and as your child travels through the story, they will realize how hurt Zogby is by their reactions.
There is a teacher guide/parent discussion guide available to go along with the book. I’ll be sticking this book and the guide in my subbing bag to use if I need a time-filler in the lower elementary classrooms. This book shares an important lesson on just being yourself that kids and parents can appreciate.
November 21, 2018
Zogby is adorable! I would hire him in a heart beat. Get some tissues for this story of bear discrimination. Happy ending!
December 15, 2025
Bear is very excited to get a chance at a job delivering cookies. The problem is that the cookie deliverers were all rabbits up until this point. The customers are pretty frightened of Bear. Part of the delivery job is to sing a jingle. Bear decides to give the jingle new words that introduce him as "not scary" and also that he is available to give bear hugs. So cute!
September 6, 2018
Fluffy tails aren't the sweetest thing in this super cute picture book, which holds a beary important message and tons of encouragement.
Zogby is a bear. Since he was a cub, he's wanted to be a delivery bear for Fluffy Tail Cookies. When he sees a help-wanted sign, it appears his dreams have come true. But there's one big problem. Zogby isn't fluffy or cute. When customers scream for help the minute they open their front doors, Zogby realizes his dream might not be attainable after all.
The story in this tale is very simple, and yet, it packs a punch. Zogby is such a sweet, big bear. It's hard not to cheer for him and feel for him as he tries his very best to meet standards that he simply doesn't fit. The solution is inspiring as well as clever and makes the book end on a smile worthy note.
The illustrations fit the tale perfectly and bring each fuzzy character to life. There are a few details but never too many. Rather, the pictures and words flow along nicely, making this a great read aloud. Even when no one is around to read the story, young listeners can pick this one up and 'read' it all on their own.
This is a cute story which is sure to become a favorite.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book so sweet that I had to leave my honest thoughts.
Zogby is a bear. Since he was a cub, he's wanted to be a delivery bear for Fluffy Tail Cookies. When he sees a help-wanted sign, it appears his dreams have come true. But there's one big problem. Zogby isn't fluffy or cute. When customers scream for help the minute they open their front doors, Zogby realizes his dream might not be attainable after all.
The story in this tale is very simple, and yet, it packs a punch. Zogby is such a sweet, big bear. It's hard not to cheer for him and feel for him as he tries his very best to meet standards that he simply doesn't fit. The solution is inspiring as well as clever and makes the book end on a smile worthy note.
The illustrations fit the tale perfectly and bring each fuzzy character to life. There are a few details but never too many. Rather, the pictures and words flow along nicely, making this a great read aloud. Even when no one is around to read the story, young listeners can pick this one up and 'read' it all on their own.
This is a cute story which is sure to become a favorite.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book so sweet that I had to leave my honest thoughts.
September 29, 2018
This is an adorable book for children 3-5 years old. The story is sweet but it also carries a very important lesson.
Zogby, a big brown bear, has always dreamed of delivering Fluffy Tail Cookies. It doesn’t matter to Zogby that all their delivery animals are cute little bunnies. One day Zogby sees a Help Wanted flyer from Fluffy Tail Cookies. This is his chance! He applies for the delivery position and is given a one day trial. Upon each delivery he proudly belts out the delivery song. But to his dismay, he finds that he is scaring the customers. He tries to fit the image of the company’s delivery bunnies by wearing floppy ears, whiskers, a fluffy tail, but nothing helps. Sadly he decides that perhaps he is not right for the job. With nothing to lose he decides that being himself is the best. So how can he be himself and not scare the customers?
Children will love the beautiful illustrations while learning that being themselves is always best and that it is okay to be different. This is a great read aloud book with the large picture pages. Shhh, don’t tell anyone – but parents and grandparents will also enjoy the story and illustrations.
Zogby, a big brown bear, has always dreamed of delivering Fluffy Tail Cookies. It doesn’t matter to Zogby that all their delivery animals are cute little bunnies. One day Zogby sees a Help Wanted flyer from Fluffy Tail Cookies. This is his chance! He applies for the delivery position and is given a one day trial. Upon each delivery he proudly belts out the delivery song. But to his dismay, he finds that he is scaring the customers. He tries to fit the image of the company’s delivery bunnies by wearing floppy ears, whiskers, a fluffy tail, but nothing helps. Sadly he decides that perhaps he is not right for the job. With nothing to lose he decides that being himself is the best. So how can he be himself and not scare the customers?
Children will love the beautiful illustrations while learning that being themselves is always best and that it is okay to be different. This is a great read aloud book with the large picture pages. Shhh, don’t tell anyone – but parents and grandparents will also enjoy the story and illustrations.
May 22, 2019
Zogby the bear didn't have the right look to be a cookie delivery driver for the Fluffy Tail Cookie company and scared all the customers. He tried adding bunny ears, tail, and whiskers, but nothing worked until he changed his delivery song to let the customers know he wasn't scary. Now he's the favorite delivery bear in the woods.
August 22, 2018
Oh how I love Zogby!
October 1, 2020
Hilarious and so MUCH fun!
October 12, 2019
The kids and I loved this book. It’s funny and full of heart. We also loved the fluffy bunny tail on the bear...
Cute illustrations by Paco Sordo.
Cute illustrations by Paco Sordo.
September 13, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the surface, it's a super cute story of a bear who's always wanted to deliver things for a living, and one day he gets the chance to do his dream job. Except, because he's a bear and not a bunny, he has to talk the manager into giving him a chance, and then he ends up scaring the customers because, you know, he's a big bear. He tries to make himself look more like a bunny so he won't scare people, but it doesn't work, and then finally he remembers to be proud of who he is and instead starts singing a song of his own creation to let the other animals know he means them no harm. This works, and he succeeds.
In the context of the animal world, it's delightful and makes perfect sense. He's a big bear, and the other animals would normally be prey or at least in danger, so their fear is completely logical. He does what's necessary to solve that situation.
However. When you look at the allegorical overtones, that's when things get icky. I am unsettled by the inherent prejudice of the manager telling Zogby that he doesn't "have the Fluffy Tail Cookies look." I am unsettled by the concept of Zogby trying to change himself in order to fit in or make others accept him, although we all do this to a certain extent. It makes me think of African Americans having to "act white" in order to seem less threatening to the white people in charge.
I do appreciate the message of being who you are because who you are is inherently special, though. And it's good that Zogby does break down the employment barriers, thanks to customers calling to praise him.
My daughter picked this book out from the library, and we read it once or twice. The overtones that unsettled me went right over my daughter's head, which is good. I'm not sure I'd want to keep reading it to her without also having a conversation about these troubling issues, however, and she's still a little too young to really comprehend, so this book is going back to the library.
In the context of the animal world, it's delightful and makes perfect sense. He's a big bear, and the other animals would normally be prey or at least in danger, so their fear is completely logical. He does what's necessary to solve that situation.
However. When you look at the allegorical overtones, that's when things get icky. I am unsettled by the inherent prejudice of the manager telling Zogby that he doesn't "have the Fluffy Tail Cookies look." I am unsettled by the concept of Zogby trying to change himself in order to fit in or make others accept him, although we all do this to a certain extent. It makes me think of African Americans having to "act white" in order to seem less threatening to the white people in charge.
I do appreciate the message of being who you are because who you are is inherently special, though. And it's good that Zogby does break down the employment barriers, thanks to customers calling to praise him.
My daughter picked this book out from the library, and we read it once or twice. The overtones that unsettled me went right over my daughter's head, which is good. I'm not sure I'd want to keep reading it to her without also having a conversation about these troubling issues, however, and she's still a little too young to really comprehend, so this book is going back to the library.
September 19, 2019
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Community Helper: Delivery "driver"
Delivery song can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
Zogby isn't your usual petite, fluffy-tailed delivery animal but his heart has been set since he was a little cub. Unfortunately, Bear's are still seen as predators in this world and the delivery recipients get scared out of their minds when they see Zogby at their door. A bunny costume doesn't help Zogby but a new, personalized delivery song eases the customer's minds.
The story has a good flow and, paired with the interrupting screams, this will make for a great read-aloud. A good lesson for teaching children acceptance, but adults may want to sneak in a couple apologies from the customers for jumping to conclusions (ala discrimination against Zogby) since they are not provided by Gehl.
Community Helper: Delivery "driver"
Delivery song can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
Zogby isn't your usual petite, fluffy-tailed delivery animal but his heart has been set since he was a little cub. Unfortunately, Bear's are still seen as predators in this world and the delivery recipients get scared out of their minds when they see Zogby at their door. A bunny costume doesn't help Zogby but a new, personalized delivery song eases the customer's minds.
The story has a good flow and, paired with the interrupting screams, this will make for a great read-aloud. A good lesson for teaching children acceptance, but adults may want to sneak in a couple apologies from the customers for jumping to conclusions (ala discrimination against Zogby) since they are not provided by Gehl.
February 10, 2020
Librarian tip: Delivery song can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
Zogby isn't your usual precious, fluffy-tailed delivery animal but his heart has been set since he was a little cub. Unfortunately, Bear's are still seen as predators in this world and the delivery recipients get scared out of their minds when they see Zogby at their door. A bunny costume doesn't help Zogby but a new, personalized delivery song eases the customer's minds.
The story has a good flow and, paired with the interrupting screams, this will make for a great read-aloud. A good lesson for teaching children acceptance, but adults may want to sneak in a couple apologies from the customers for jumping to conclusions (ala discrimination against Zogby) since they are not provided by Gehl.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Zogby isn't your usual precious, fluffy-tailed delivery animal but his heart has been set since he was a little cub. Unfortunately, Bear's are still seen as predators in this world and the delivery recipients get scared out of their minds when they see Zogby at their door. A bunny costume doesn't help Zogby but a new, personalized delivery song eases the customer's minds.
The story has a good flow and, paired with the interrupting screams, this will make for a great read-aloud. A good lesson for teaching children acceptance, but adults may want to sneak in a couple apologies from the customers for jumping to conclusions (ala discrimination against Zogby) since they are not provided by Gehl.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
September 3, 2018
This is a cute book about a bear, Zogby, who dreams of delivering cookies, but when he shows up at the other animals houses they get scared and Zogby gets sad. He tries dressing up as a bunny, but it doesn't work well. Finally, he decides to just be himself and give the clients another chance. I like the moral, that you can't judge a book by it's cover, even though many of us do. For the animals, a bear might eat them, so of course they're scared, but Zogby learns that by showing others who he really is, they will accept him. A cute story, perfect for back to school kids who are nervous about being different in anyway, and to kids who need to learn acceptance. The pictures are big and bold, and the animals initial reactions to Zogby are funny. I'm giving this one 4 stars!
September 21, 2018
You can't help but fall in love with Zogby. He longs to deliver cookies and proudly sings the delivery song "at the top of his lungs." Unfortunately, he scares the customers because he isn't cute and fluffy. His optimism shines through as he tries to fit the Fluffy Tail Cookies look, but it isn't until he realizes he needs to just be himself that he succeeds. Zogby's perseverance and enthusiasm are admirable. The song is fun to sing, too.
October 8, 2018
Zogby is one determined bear to be the cookie delivery boy that he has dreamed of being when he grew up. How many kids get to do what they dreamed of being when they grow up? Well, Zogby has some setbacks and is not the delivery boy his clients expect, but he is determined to make this work and be good at this job. The manager of the cookie factory gives him a chance and is surprised when Zogby fixes his own problem. Good example of working through problems and solving them to be successful.
February 19, 2026
Kid brought this home from the library. If it was mine I'd throw it in the garbage.
The point of this book is if you do something incorrect and the whole world tells you so, then the whole world is wrong and they should all change to accommodate your mistakes. This is a stupid lesson for kids and adults.
Feel good nonsense that will actively make your children stupid. Avoid.
The point of this book is if you do something incorrect and the whole world tells you so, then the whole world is wrong and they should all change to accommodate your mistakes. This is a stupid lesson for kids and adults.
Feel good nonsense that will actively make your children stupid. Avoid.
October 17, 2018
I received this book as a giveaway.
I can't wait to share this with my grandson.
Such a sweet story about acceptance with wonderful illustrations!
I can't wait to share this with my grandson.
Such a sweet story about acceptance with wonderful illustrations!
October 22, 2018
What a cute book! I really love the sweet story and the illustrations are adorable.
November 14, 2018
Love this author, love this book, love Zogby....Love, love, LOVE!!
January 6, 2019
Atticus loved this one!
January 12, 2019
I love the important message that shines through in this book!
February 18, 2019
Full of Humor AND Heart. I want to try this book out at storytime!
April 26, 2019
My boys thought this book was hilarious ! We loved it :)
October 5, 2020
If you enjoy screaming...this is a great one for you. It would be very funny to use as a read aloud.
February 19, 2022
I really hate the Delivery Bear's name, Zogby. It was always clunky to say. Other than that I liked it.
January 24, 2023
Storytime Themes: Bears, Forest, Animals, Surprise
June 3, 2023
Cute book on self-esteem. “You can do anything” Dream Big.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews