Dear Bear

by Joanna Harrison

For use in schools and libraries only. Katie is afraid of the bear that lives under the stairs in her house, until they exchange letters and she finally gets to meet him.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Lara Girgis · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a girl who learns to overcome her fears. Its a relatable story with an uplifting and heartwarming message.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story that reminded me of one I read growing up. I love the creative solution to conquering a child's fear and the way that Katie's concept of and feelings for the bear change as the story goes along. :)

Content--one set of illustrations with a young girl in her underwear as she's dressing

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is such a fun throwback to the eighties.
This darling girl is afraid of the bear under the stairs, and her parents help her overcome her fear of the bear by writing letters.

The picture book almost reads like a graphic novel.

[Marcia Van Camp]

What I love about this book is that when the girl was scared, her parents didn’t tell her not to be scared, or that she needed to grow up etc. They helped her work through and resolve her fear and then turn it into a positive experience.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a vague memory of checking out a book over and over again from my elementary school library. I researched and found a used copy if Dear Bear. It's a cute story, and I never realized the Mom was the bear as a kid. 😆

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for families with children who are scared of something. This book offers an idea or two for solutions.

[Y.Poston]

cute

[Aileen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as a kid and it's still whimsical as fuck.

[Megan Phillips]

This book goes through a girl being afraid of a bear that lives in her closet. She is absolutely terrified of it, so her parents have her write the bear a letter asking him to leave the closet. The bear does leave and the two begin writing letters to one another after this.

This book could be used as an introduction for how to write letters to people. Each of the letters displayed in this book shows the proper way to begin a letter and end the letter. Students can see that they can write a letter just like the main character in the story, since she is a child just like they are.

[Beth Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our most favorite books ever! Such a sweet story and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic. After checking this out multiple times from the library, Santa was kind enough to gift us our own copy...two years later, it is still in heavy rotation. Absolutely love it!

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets a good workout in our house, and it is one that I don't mind reading over and over again.

One of my students gave it to me when I left for maternity leave. She told me it was one of her favourites, and I imagine that it will be one of my children's favourites too.

[Tiffeny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK ITS BEEN MY FAVORITE SINCE I WAS LITTLE AND STILL IS.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story . . . almost a 5 stars for me. Shares a great parent-child relationship in a unique way. Addresses fears in a clever way too. Well written and thought out.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cry every time I read this childhood favorite. It's my most memorable book from when I was little and very close to my heart.

[D Nine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letter B. The kids were so scared until the end. Shared about how imaginations can make us more scared than reality.

[Esodhiambo · Rating 3 out of 5]

writing letters
toy bear
making friends
overcoming fears
worrying

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh.