Bear by Himself

by Geoffrey Hayes

"There are times when a bear has to be alone with himself, to think his own thoughts and sing his own songs." Whether watching the wind, smelling the rain, or talking to a river, Bear is happy to take time alone to look around and contemplate his world--a wonderful message in this age of busyness. Geoffrey Hayes illustrates this gentle ode to solitude in jewel-like color and intricate detail.  

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Geoffrey Hayes has written and illustrated over forty children’s books, including the extremely popular series of early readers Otto and Uncle Tooth, the classic Bear By Himself, and When the Wind Blew by Caldecott Medal-winning author Margaret Wise Brown.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple book is what this is, meant for children and for adults who were born young. In particular, I have a liking for any little bear who wears turtlenecks, very high turtlenecks. This is a bear who wants to be alone for a bit to think his own thoughts and to sing his own songs. Maybe he just wants to fly a kite or sit peacefully by a burbling brook, but preferably alone because we all need our own space. And when the day is done and the darkness of evening starts to descend, it’s time to go home where a cozy bed and a good book await. Comfort and security.



This was the very first published book for Geoffrey Hayes, known for his children’s book illustrations. He died suddenly in 2017, a loss for the industry. I’m lucky to have one of the original copies of this book, which is now rather pricey. It isn’t very fancy but it’s remained popular because of the simple message: Take time for yourself. Published in 1976, a more innocent time perhaps, the little bear is able to spend a day by himself, wandering around to enjoy his activities. Nowadays, that would no longer happen, as children have lost much of the independence of former years. So I think this would be a very nice read for very young children to learn that it’s okay to enjoy being by yourself but without feeling lonely.

Book Season = Spring (late afternoons)

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ever. Perfect for dreamers, and those who like their alone-time. "There are times when a bear has to be alone with himself, to think his own thoughts and sing his own songs."

BTW: The cover image is all wrong. In the edition I grew up with, the cover was all pale green and tan, very quiet and small, and I feel that Bear's head was in better proportion to his body. Though it did still capture him aloft in that jaunty little skip.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, but I love the original drawings much more than I like this version. My bear, Bear, loves this book, too. It was the first one we learned to read together and holds a special place in my heart (I even have a tattoo of the original paperback back cover picture of Bear).

Bear likes to do stuff by himself, obviously. This sweet gentle book reminds everyone, that sometimes doing stuff alone it ok. In fact, sometimes it's pretty great. If you can find an original printing from the mid 70's or the reprint from the late 80's by Carrotseed press, get those and pass on this full color treatment. The other is sooo much better.

[Dasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations of our family's original paperback book (from the 70's) were perfect to accompany the story. I haven't seen the new illustrations firsthand, but the originals were gray/light blue, very fitting for the mood. We wore the pages down and eventually the book was lost in our moves, but I still remember how peaceful and contemplative the story was. So unique. I miss this book.

[Kami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the old beginning reader one. It has the sweetest little pictures I've ever seen.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gentle ode to finding joy by yourself. The titular Bear finds time to “pause and enjoy” the rain, his thoughts, nature, and silence. The illustrations are all contained by a square frame. There is one “snapshot’-style image per page with one or two lines of text written beneath. The color palette is limited to soft greens, browns, grays, and white. Hayes beautifully captures light and shadow, like the warm glow emanating from a fireplace. There is a timelessness to the illustrations of nature and village life, but an image of a lamplighter hints at a historic setting. Bear By Himself is a soft story that embraces solitude. Link to complete review:https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have access to the older edition, but the newer is on openlibrary.org. It's a charmer. I have to say, I imagine the more subtle, quiet art does suit the text, the theme, much better. and I'd probably give that another star. The newer art is cute and appealing, though, and I do appreciate that the bear isn't wearing just a shirt.

(If an illustrator must clothe the non-human animals, I much prefer complete outfits, not, for example, Disney's ridiculous Winnie-the-Poo. But I really wish they were drawn au naturel.)

[LindaJ^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this NYRB edition (published in 2025) for the youngest of the kids on my holiday list of children to give books. It is a reproduction of the book as first published in 1976 and quite lovely. And it expresses a sentiment that I think is valuable -- kids need to know that it is ok to take time to be with themselves. For that matter, so do adults!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute story

[Mary Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story for all ages, childhood, teen and adult, to read again and again throughout life. Finding quiet time, enjoying time by ones self, listening to the wind, living a good life.

[Kevin Cazarez Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 5/5

I cried.

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book as a child, and one of my favorites now.

[Muneerah · Rating 3 out of 5]

lonely bear =)

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time favourite children's book.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a kid, though I like the old version more :)