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The Bear Report
A girl and a polar bear take a stunning journey through the Arctic in this award-winning picture book from the author-illustrator of Alfie and How Do You Dance?
What’s there to say about polar bears? They’re big. They’re mean. They eat things. Bor-ing. At least that’s how Sophie feels when she sits down to do her homework.
But then something decidedly unboring happens—Sophie is whisked away to the Arctic by a jovial polar bear named Olafur. In a whirlwind of a day, he shows the reluctant Sophie the many brilliant things there are to see in his home, from glacier mice to the northern lights. Sophie begins to learn that the polar bear’s home is so much more than a barren, frozen land. It’s a world filled with life, adventure—and a new friend.
The Bear Report showcases the power of curiosity to fill any blank canvas, whether it’s an incomplete homework assignment or the Arctic ice.
What’s there to say about polar bears? They’re big. They’re mean. They eat things. Bor-ing. At least that’s how Sophie feels when she sits down to do her homework.
But then something decidedly unboring happens—Sophie is whisked away to the Arctic by a jovial polar bear named Olafur. In a whirlwind of a day, he shows the reluctant Sophie the many brilliant things there are to see in his home, from glacier mice to the northern lights. Sophie begins to learn that the polar bear’s home is so much more than a barren, frozen land. It’s a world filled with life, adventure—and a new friend.
The Bear Report showcases the power of curiosity to fill any blank canvas, whether it’s an incomplete homework assignment or the Arctic ice.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2015
2 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Thyra Heder
16 books44 followersThyra Heder is a writer and illustrator of picture books for children, and a storyboard and concept artist for film, television, fashion and architecture. In 2015 she was a Sundance Screenwriting Fellow and awarded the San Francisco Film Society Hearst Grant along with director, Brent Green. Her four picture books, Fraidyzoo, The Bear Report and Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared), and How Do You Dance? with Abrams Books for Young Readers have all received critical acclaim and international translation. In 2018, Alfie was awarded an E.B. White Read Aloud Honor by the Association of Booksellers for Children. She was born and raised in Cambridge, MA in a family of artists, and graduated from Brown University with a BA in Art Semiotics with a focus on film and video. She loves to collaborate with artists and writers of all kinds from her studio in Brooklyn, NY. She also loves walking around New York City and drawing strangers .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 20, 2017
To see this review as well as this week's favorite children's books please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com
This is such a cool book that teaches kids about polar bears in a fun way. It reminded me so much of The Polar Bear by Jenni Desmond.
Sophie has to do a book report on polar bears and all she can come up with is that they're big, mean, and they eat things. After a visit with a real polar bear who takes her on a journey through its habitat, she learns much more.
The illustrations are amazing and the story is engaging and educational.
5*****
This is such a cool book that teaches kids about polar bears in a fun way. It reminded me so much of The Polar Bear by Jenni Desmond.
Sophie has to do a book report on polar bears and all she can come up with is that they're big, mean, and they eat things. After a visit with a real polar bear who takes her on a journey through its habitat, she learns much more.
The illustrations are amazing and the story is engaging and educational.
5*****
August 16, 2019
Uninspired by her homework assignment to track down three interesting facts about polar bears, Sophie is surprised indeed when one suddenly appears in her living room! Determined to share the beauty of his home with her, and to demonstrate that not all polar bears are 'mean,' Olafur takes Sophie on a voyage to the arctic. Here they observe the local fauna, listen to the whales sing, and take a nap on an ice floe. When their floe melts, and they wake up in the chilly sea, girl and bear must swim for shore, Sophie summoning unexpected aid when Olafur tires. Eventually safe on land, Sophie returns home better-informed about the arctic, and more sympathetic to its residents.
A lovely book, one both educational and entertaining, The Bear Report is a celebration of the power of curiosity and the wonders of the imagination. Whether actually read as a voyage of the imagination, one inspired by her homework, or as a more matter-of-factly magical journey, Sophie's experiences with Olafur offer young children a sympathetic portrait of an often misunderstood ecosystem. Although they are fearsome creatures - I just read a news article the other day about adult male polar bears eating their own cubs, because of food shortages in the arctic - this gentle tale subtly emphasizes (without mention of ursine infanticide, of course) that bears should not be judged by human standards. Sophie's report, seen in the illustrations on the final page - it begins: "They are not all mean, and even mean bears are just hungry" - drives this point home. The story itself also teaches young children, without any didactic fanfare, that polar bears and their wintry world are under threat due to climate change, as Olafur and Sophie find themselves in trouble due to the melting floe. The accompanying artwork, done in watercolor and ink, is just beautiful, capturing the wintry beauty of Olafur's world. All in all, an engaging and thought-provoking book, one I would recommend to young animal lovers, or to anyone looking for good picture-book adventures with a little more substance.
A lovely book, one both educational and entertaining, The Bear Report is a celebration of the power of curiosity and the wonders of the imagination. Whether actually read as a voyage of the imagination, one inspired by her homework, or as a more matter-of-factly magical journey, Sophie's experiences with Olafur offer young children a sympathetic portrait of an often misunderstood ecosystem. Although they are fearsome creatures - I just read a news article the other day about adult male polar bears eating their own cubs, because of food shortages in the arctic - this gentle tale subtly emphasizes (without mention of ursine infanticide, of course) that bears should not be judged by human standards. Sophie's report, seen in the illustrations on the final page - it begins: "They are not all mean, and even mean bears are just hungry" - drives this point home. The story itself also teaches young children, without any didactic fanfare, that polar bears and their wintry world are under threat due to climate change, as Olafur and Sophie find themselves in trouble due to the melting floe. The accompanying artwork, done in watercolor and ink, is just beautiful, capturing the wintry beauty of Olafur's world. All in all, an engaging and thought-provoking book, one I would recommend to young animal lovers, or to anyone looking for good picture-book adventures with a little more substance.
April 1, 2021
This book is fantastic if you are thinking about teaching researching an animal.
the main character is asked to list 3 facts she found out about polar bears. In her dream, a polar bear takes her on a trip to where he lives and how he lives.
Afterward, it shows her in her room doing research that she cares about with diagrams, maps, and information galore. She incorporates art, star maps, and whales too. The illustrations are amazing.
the main character is asked to list 3 facts she found out about polar bears. In her dream, a polar bear takes her on a trip to where he lives and how he lives.
Afterward, it shows her in her room doing research that she cares about with diagrams, maps, and information galore. She incorporates art, star maps, and whales too. The illustrations are amazing.
November 8, 2015
Gorgeous to see, wonderful story, have read this over and over. A young girl must write a report, chooses polar bears, writes her ‘three facts’--“They are big, they eat things, they are mean.” But wait, she’s visited by a polar bear lounging on the sofa, who says “We’re not all mean.” Thus begins an adventure with this ‘not-mean’ bear all through the Arctic, learning quite a lot, including saving the bear, too! At the end, back in the living room, a wide array of presentation parts are displayed. The pictures are wonder full-page spreads by Thyra Heder, and the text is just enough.
November 12, 2015
Want to know how to do good research? Immerse yourself in your subject. That's what this books shows when Sophie is asked to write a report about polar bears. What a wonderful depiction of effective inquiry.
October 7, 2015
I LOVE these beautiful illustrations.
October 3, 2015
Witty, imaginative, elegantly illustrated, delightful fun.
November 24, 2017
Stunning illustrations that have my kids captivated. My youngest asks for this book more than any other!
December 22, 2019
A girl who doesn't want to do her school report on polar bears gets a visit from a real bear who takes her to the Arctic and teaches her profound things. Wonderful pictures and a fun adventure.
December 28, 2015
A beautifully illustrated story, The Bear Report will have you falling in love with Sophie, Olafur the Polar Bear, and the Arctic.
An uniquely told story about Polar Bears, a young girl named Sophie has to give a report on Polar Bears. Without researching them, she writes three things about them. Her three guesses are proved wrong when Olafur, a Polar Bear appears in her room, and takes her on an incredibly adventure to learn about Polar Bears. Sophie soon realizes there is far more to Polar Bears than she ever imagined. A beautiful friendship quickly forms between her and Olafur as she learns more about the ways of the Polar Bears, and their Arctic home.
This book is visually stunning. I felt like I was getting a sneak peak into the harsh beauty of the arctic through Thyra's beautiful water color illustrations. Her details small and big, really created something unique with Sophie and Olafur's story. Along side Sophie, readers learn about Polar Bears, and their beautiful land they call home. This is a beautiful book, and one I highly recommend picking up. Even if it's just for the illustrations alone, though the story is one that will melt your heart.
See my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2015/1...
An uniquely told story about Polar Bears, a young girl named Sophie has to give a report on Polar Bears. Without researching them, she writes three things about them. Her three guesses are proved wrong when Olafur, a Polar Bear appears in her room, and takes her on an incredibly adventure to learn about Polar Bears. Sophie soon realizes there is far more to Polar Bears than she ever imagined. A beautiful friendship quickly forms between her and Olafur as she learns more about the ways of the Polar Bears, and their Arctic home.
This book is visually stunning. I felt like I was getting a sneak peak into the harsh beauty of the arctic through Thyra's beautiful water color illustrations. Her details small and big, really created something unique with Sophie and Olafur's story. Along side Sophie, readers learn about Polar Bears, and their beautiful land they call home. This is a beautiful book, and one I highly recommend picking up. Even if it's just for the illustrations alone, though the story is one that will melt your heart.
See my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2015/1...
May 16, 2017
The Bear Report by Thyra Heder is a nominee for the 2017-18 South Carolina Picture Book Award.
When Sophie is assigned a report on polar bears, she's not overly excited. She thinks polar bears big, mean, and eat things. That's really all she can come up with until she meets Olafur, a polar bear who shows her that there's so much more to learn.
Olafur takes Sophie on a journey to the Arctic. He teaches her about whale songs, animals that live under the ice, melting ice caps, the Northern Lights, and so much more! Sophie is now convinced that polar bears are not boring at all, and she has tons of new information on these amazing animals.
While The Bear Report is both informative and entertaining, I think it would be a much stronger book if there had been a lengthier author's note or even a larger view of Sophie's report on polar bears and her experiences with Olafur. (The small bit we see in the illustration is kind of difficult to read.) Some sort of reference for the unfamiliar terms/concepts in this book (like whale songs or the buff-breasted sandpiper) is desperately needed. Even so, this book is a good springboard into further research on polar bears and should be paired with nonfiction titles on the subject.
When Sophie is assigned a report on polar bears, she's not overly excited. She thinks polar bears big, mean, and eat things. That's really all she can come up with until she meets Olafur, a polar bear who shows her that there's so much more to learn.
Olafur takes Sophie on a journey to the Arctic. He teaches her about whale songs, animals that live under the ice, melting ice caps, the Northern Lights, and so much more! Sophie is now convinced that polar bears are not boring at all, and she has tons of new information on these amazing animals.
While The Bear Report is both informative and entertaining, I think it would be a much stronger book if there had been a lengthier author's note or even a larger view of Sophie's report on polar bears and her experiences with Olafur. (The small bit we see in the illustration is kind of difficult to read.) Some sort of reference for the unfamiliar terms/concepts in this book (like whale songs or the buff-breasted sandpiper) is desperately needed. Even so, this book is a good springboard into further research on polar bears and should be paired with nonfiction titles on the subject.
November 26, 2015
Quick summary: A young girl becomes motivated to love her school project after exploring more. As much as I liked this story, it would have appealed to me even more as a wordless book. The illustrations are amazing! Super imaginative and utilizing brilliant use of color. The words sort of interrupted a big part of the strong storyline that runs through the pictures. The illustrations are that impressionable and really say almost everything. I still wondered if Sophie had seen this all on TV and just imagined herself in the program with the bear? Perhaps if the ending would have revealed an illustrated transition upon her return to her own home...a goodbye, or the bear seeing her safely home, and which route they took to get there. That could have provided some emotional closure to their sweet relationship. The words at sunset did help me understand her change (now interested in her school project), alerting us that Sophie was about to share her excitement with the world. Overall, the illustrations win big here! A true work of art!
December 6, 2015
Oooh did I love this book! It had me from the feel of the nice thick pages, to the gorgeous illustrations, but then ... the story.
A young girl is assigned to find three facts about polar bears for a school report, which she does with no enthusiasm and quickly goes back to her TV. Well, the polar bear has so much more to teach her, so he takes her to his habitat. She gets a lesson in global warming, her inquisitiveness comes alive and she goes home to create a knock out report. Perfet on it's own as a story, but for librarians a great choice to kick off any research project with young students and to introduce the topic of global warming and its impact on the earth. Caldecott worthy.
A young girl is assigned to find three facts about polar bears for a school report, which she does with no enthusiasm and quickly goes back to her TV. Well, the polar bear has so much more to teach her, so he takes her to his habitat. She gets a lesson in global warming, her inquisitiveness comes alive and she goes home to create a knock out report. Perfet on it's own as a story, but for librarians a great choice to kick off any research project with young students and to introduce the topic of global warming and its impact on the earth. Caldecott worthy.
October 29, 2015
Sophie is learning about polar bears at school noting that "they are big, they eat things, and they are mean." When Olafur the polar bear visits with her, she learns so much more about polar bears. A lovely, charming story with bits of humors and glorious illustrations. I want to sing whale too! Perfect for kindergartener through 2nd grade as they delve into their first school research experiences. And a good reminder for teachers and librarians that research, nonfiction, and learning need to bring the subject to life.
March 18, 2016
I wanted to love this book, and there are some aspects to it that I adore, but I'm always leary when texts that show wild animals in cosy relationships with humans. I expected this book to have a nonfiction component, and it does inform the reader about some aspects of a polar bear's life, but there is so much fantasy interspersed, that it begets confusion.
Heder's watercolor illustrations are drop dead gorgeous. I especially appreciated the two page spread where the polar bear takes Sophie to it's habitat and explains, "It's better in person."
Heder's watercolor illustrations are drop dead gorgeous. I especially appreciated the two page spread where the polar bear takes Sophie to it's habitat and explains, "It's better in person."
November 7, 2016
This book is imaginative, well-written, and has beautiful illustrations. I liked it very much, especially since it reminded me of something from my childhood: my mom, sister, and I studied polar bears to give a report at the zoo when we went on a homeschool field trip. No one really paid attention, but I learned about polar bears from the experience and had that extra level of appreciation with this lovely picture book. I wish I had a polar bear to take me on a tour of the Arctic!
February 5, 2017
The illustrations are delightful - both fun and beautiful. I think I would have preferred it without text though - I personally found the tone odd, as it seemed to exist between nonsensical and factual, and I'm not sure about some of the "facts" or suggestions in the book (the bear is shown eating fish but not seals, for example). Maybe kids at the right age would appreciate the tone but my 18-month old didn't have feedback!
July 27, 2016
Lovely illustrations and this being a very warm day when I read the title all of the cold temperatures in the Artic were much appreciated. This was also an interesting perspective that the young girl, Sophia, needs to write a report for school on polar bears and Olafur, the polar bear, teaches her about his day to day life. Loved Olafur's love of music which was the whales singing.
October 19, 2015
This is so lovely- the artwork and sparse text appear to effortlessly share lots of information. This is the perfect book to introduce a research project to young children, complete with a beautiful surprise under the book jacket!
November 5, 2015
A powerful blend of story, science, and images ideally designed to capture both fantasy and fact. The young human is a perfect foil for the most appealing polar bear you'll ever meet, one that is wise and witty.
November 15, 2015
We know a "being there" experience is the best to teach children new concepts. Thyra Heder has a real being-there experience for her character, Sophie, and as we see at the end, she has a lot to say on her her subject.
December 24, 2015
Beautiful illustrations, especially of Sophie sleeping curled up next to the polar bear. The story is fantastical but inspires Sophie to write a better report on polar bears after she visits the polar bear's natural habitat. A great story to introduce writing reports to generate excitement.
October 1, 2015
Beautiful. Wonderful gentle humor. I especially love how kids will be able to connect to this.
October 10, 2015
that was spectacular. It made me cry.
November 17, 2015
Loved it!
November 20, 2015
Uuum.... I cried. Yup.
February 6, 2018
Thyra Heder’s children’s book “The Bear Report” is perfect for elementary aged children who struggle finding a reason to do their homework. Thyra Heder’s purpose for this book was to prove to children that there are meanings behind assignments they are required to complete, and, who knows, the assignment could possibly be enjoyable if the child has a positive mindset about it. The author accomplished showing the importance of having an optimistic approach to completing tasks assigned for school by displaying the excitement and knowledge the main character gains from finishing her book report on polar bears. For example, the main character, Sophie, shows her unenthusiastic disposition about completing her homework assignment. But, as the book progresses, Sophie does not want to leave the polar bear’s world after discovering the cool facts about polar bears. The target audience for this book would be young children ranging from grades K-2ND. The book is of value because it engages readers by taking them on an adventure to learn about the life, environment, and habitat of a polar bear. “The Bear Report” is worthwhile because the target audience of the book can relate to what the main character is going through, and they can possibly apply the main character’s experience to their own life by appreciating knowledge gained from school assignments. The book would be a great fit for an elementary school library or classroom.
October 8, 2023
"The Bear Report" confirms it:
I love school.
I love to work as a teacher of adult ed, doing that work just about every day of my life.
Since 1969.
In the process, the teacher inevitably learns something(s) new, for which I'm so grateful.
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH "THE BEAR REPORT"?
This wonderful story begins with Sophie on a school day. She's back home, doing her homework, feeling annoyed at the "boring" topic of her assigned report: polar bears.
Only a kind of miracle happens. A polar bear arrives. As Sophie exclaims:
You are a HUGE Bear!
In my HOUSE!
Then that bear takes Sophie on a real-life adventure.
As for the ending, this is so very beautiful. I'd share it, but better to read it in context.
Hint: That ending IS so very beautiful.
FIVE STARS for the concept, words, and amazing illustrations by Thyra Heder. Mostly, I'm delighted with this book because, to me, it is an allegory about learning itself.
Our openness to learn
Then doing the learning basics for one type of study or another
Plus our imaginations,
Can take us far. Can teach us so much.
I love school.
I love to work as a teacher of adult ed, doing that work just about every day of my life.
Since 1969.
In the process, the teacher inevitably learns something(s) new, for which I'm so grateful.
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH "THE BEAR REPORT"?
This wonderful story begins with Sophie on a school day. She's back home, doing her homework, feeling annoyed at the "boring" topic of her assigned report: polar bears.
Only a kind of miracle happens. A polar bear arrives. As Sophie exclaims:
You are a HUGE Bear!
In my HOUSE!
Then that bear takes Sophie on a real-life adventure.
As for the ending, this is so very beautiful. I'd share it, but better to read it in context.
Hint: That ending IS so very beautiful.
FIVE STARS for the concept, words, and amazing illustrations by Thyra Heder. Mostly, I'm delighted with this book because, to me, it is an allegory about learning itself.
Our openness to learn
Then doing the learning basics for one type of study or another
Plus our imaginations,
Can take us far. Can teach us so much.
September 23, 2017
Heder, Thyra The Bear Report. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015. $17.95. Content: G.
Sophie rushes through a report about polar bears so she can watch television. But when an actual polar bear whisks her off to his home in the Arctic, she learns to empathize with and love these furry creatures. Suddenly she is interested in creating the best bear report ever.
The illustrations in this one are gorgeous, and readers will learn information about polar bears while being entertained by the story format. Although it isn't information-heavy enough to provide actual research for a report on polar bears, it would be a fantastic introduction to a unit on research reports or on caring for the Earth.
EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Sophie rushes through a report about polar bears so she can watch television. But when an actual polar bear whisks her off to his home in the Arctic, she learns to empathize with and love these furry creatures. Suddenly she is interested in creating the best bear report ever.
The illustrations in this one are gorgeous, and readers will learn information about polar bears while being entertained by the story format. Although it isn't information-heavy enough to provide actual research for a report on polar bears, it would be a fantastic introduction to a unit on research reports or on caring for the Earth.
EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
May 31, 2021
Sophie is a little girl who has homework of describing about Arctic, but she doesn't have any idea about it. She just writes random words as much as she knows about Arctic. When she writes it, suddenly the polar bear appears in front of her and takes her into the Arctic World. They are having an amazing journey that makes them knowing each other. She knows all the things about the polar bear's life and it helps her to accomplish her homework.
It's such an interesting book that tells us how amazing a child's imagination. We also learn the beautiful friendship between Sophie and the polar bear.
It's such an interesting book that tells us how amazing a child's imagination. We also learn the beautiful friendship between Sophie and the polar bear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews