Bear Can Dance!

Goose and Bear Stories

by Suzanne Bloom

In Suzanne Bloom's lovable story, the seventh in the popular Goose and Bear series, Bear discovers that not getting what you want isn't always a bad thing. In fact, it may lead to something surprising.

Bear wishes he could fly. He wants to swoop and glide and feel the wind in his fur. Yet no matter how hard he flaps his arms, he can't get off the ground. Goose and Fox offer support, but Bear remains earthbound—until he hears music. Suddenly, Bear is gliding and swooping and light on his feet.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Birds

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2015

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear wishes he could fly. Fox tries to help him achieve his dreams, but it doesn't seem to work. But then Fox and Goose realize Bear can do something close to flying.

A book for all the little kids who want to fly but are stuck on the ground. They also can do what Bear eventually does. This is a very simple read with just a few words per page, so a great pick for just beginning readers. The illustrations look soft and fuzzy enough to pet.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: I wish I could fly.

Premise/plot: Bear REALLY wants to fly. He spends most of the book wishing to fly and trying to fly. By the end of the book, he learns that while he cannot fly he has learned to dance....and dancing is almost like flying.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Bear Can Dance more than Fox Forgets! I love the illustrations so much. A good reminder of why I enjoy this series by Suzanne Bloom. Both books are newly reprinted/republished.

[Mrs Heet -Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for a fun book with dance for my toddler storytime and this just wasn't it. This book was more about bear wanting to fly than it was bear dancing. The illustrations were just ok as well.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bear can dance? ...It's like flying, but with your feet on the ground. Mostly."

Adorbs.

[Rolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine, though unoriginal.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very chilly art! I feel cold reading this!

Bear wishes he could fly, but when he cannot, he finds a similar sensation in dancing.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how this book shows that while we can't do everything we might want to do, that there are ways to tweak our dreams and still be happy.

[Sarsandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the polar bear looked less weird but overall cute. Would be good for a storytime incorporating dance.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong personalities.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two friends attempt to help Bear's dream come true, which is to fly. When they realize this is not to be, however, they soon discover he can do something else: dance. A straightforward story with dreamlike illustrations, it seems to quickly leap forward from Bear's dream to fly to dancing without much segue. Some children may question this, but others will enjoy this simplistic approach. Recommended.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear wishes he could fly. Goose says he can’t help, but Fox is sure he can help Bear fly. Fox has Bear wear a cape. Fox has Bear go downhill in a wagon on his belly. But nothing works. Bear can’t fly. But Bear can dance, and it’s his friend Goose who points it out. http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the fly: "Bear wishes he could fly. Goose is quite sure Bear will never get off the ground. But Fox has a few ideas." My thought? 'Of course she does!' It's amazing the depth and breadth of feeling and character Suzanne Bloom can get across with such few words. I love these books and these characters--I think I need to buy myself the whole set!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful tale of bear, goose and fox. In the story, bear laments that he cannot fly. The three do try, at least fox does, but goose stand apart, quite skeptical. I adore Bloom’s illustrations, and this time, we have the joy of seeing Bear dance. There are several other titles about these three adorable friends. Simple text, gorgeous illustrations for younger children.

[Peninnah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book about being who you are! Each child has gifts and talents and this book is all about finding out what Bear can do. Bear can't fly, but he can dance! The illustrations are amazing. I highly recommend Bear Can Dance!

[pati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear can dance! Lovely.

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this whole series so much, and this book reminds me why. These books have the perfect balance of whimsy and kindness and silliness and friendship, all balled up together. Well done!

[Angelina Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like all of Suzanne Blooms books, but this one might be my favorite. Fox really shines in this story:)

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short text may appeal to younger listeners, the artwork is fuzzy whimsical.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just beautiful.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another tale of Bear, Goose, and Fox ~ a fun friendship story.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need to add this title to my list for Preschool Dance Parties.

[Kelly Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book and how they stand out so much from the background. I am using this book for my Music and Movement program, making it great for toddlers through kindergarteners.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay in a pinch. Try Rupert Can Dance by Jules Feiffer or Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae instead.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how trying to fly turned into finding your groove.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pair it Jory and Davies books. I so love A splendid Friend indeed that I had to read this one.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear really wants to fly. His friends try to teach him. But they eventually realize that he can't fly. He can, however, DANCE. Good book for younger readers.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear wants to fly but has to compromise by dancing instead - gorgeous illustrations as always and in this one the language is quite lyrical

[Casandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instead of flying, bear can dance

[K Morlando · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book to read.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear wishes that he could fly. Fox has a plan to make Bear's wish comes true. Goose makes an insightful conclusion while watching the events unfold.