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Bear Moves

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In a high-energy sequel to I Am Bear, the dance-loving star rolls out a variety of dance moves and inspires kids to try some of their own.

Get up, get down,
hit the ground . . .

Bear's in a dancing mood, and his friend Bunny is happy to help out with the boom box. With moves like Furry Breaking, Running Bear (you run but don't go anywhere), and the classic back spin, who could blame observers who might want to bust a move of their own? Actor/rapper Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown) and artist Sav Akyuz team up again for a lively two-step with the multitalented Bear.

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 26, 2018

32 people want to read

About the author

Ben Bailey Smith

23 books4 followers
Ben Bailey Smith is a U.K.-based rapper (known as Doc Brown), an actor on the British edition of Law & Order and the British kids’ show 4 O’Clock Club, and a stand-up comedian. Now he adds a new facet to his career: children’s-book author. He lives in London.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
32 (18%)
4 stars
70 (40%)
3 stars
57 (33%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jeremy.
100 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2018
Bear starts dancing in a gay club I've definitely been to, ends by tangoing with "a perfect lady"? What an arc.
Profile Image for Heidi.
2,894 reviews66 followers
February 12, 2019
I enjoyed the rollicking text and the urge to dance it inspired. In that regard it would be fun to use with young children. The illustrations in general were cute and fun. I was not however a fan of the number of occasions in which the bear's bum crack was shown. The bear dressed in a belly dancer's outfit wasn't particularly thrilling either. If those things don't bother you than by all means take a look at this bright, colorful ode to the joys and mishaps of dance.
Profile Image for J.L. Slipak.
Author 14 books30 followers
February 1, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

This picture book is adorable! The big, bold beautifully colored artwork adds perfection to a sweet and fun story. By the time you’re done reading the story, you’ll be hooked on Bear in all his glory… sorry… just couldn’t resist.

The book is 10 x 10 and sits perfectly in the lap of a young reader. The artwork is charming and fun, brightly colored to hold the reader’s attention. Bear is adorable and reminds me of “Bear in the Big Blue House” only this bear is purple. He wears ridiculous clothes and renames break dancing and hip hop names to fit his antics. How can you not love that! So much to love about this book and Bear and his friends.

My daughter just adores this book and snatched it up once I was done with it.
Profile Image for Aeicha .
832 reviews110 followers
December 19, 2018
Author Ben Bailey Smith and illustrator Sav Akyuz offer readers two hilarious books featuring the greatest purple suit wearing bare bear you’ll ever meet in I Am Bear and Bear Moves! 


Through short, yet clever and laugh out loud rhymes, we are introduced to this truly one of a kind bear, his silly daily antics, and unusual hobbies in I Am Bear. And in Bear Moves this dynamic writing and illustrating team return for a bearry fun dance party. The irresistibly charming Bear break dances, foxtrots, and tangoes his way through the pages of the wildly funny Bear Moves! Smith’s whimsically humorous text will amuse and entertain little readers, while Akyuz’s engaging illustrations, with their bright pops of colors and lively action, will captivate delight. 


With their giggle inducing lyrical text, outrageously fun action, and an adorably unforgettable star, both I Am Bear and Bear Moves are perfect read aloud picture books that little readers will love! 
338 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2019
Bear Moves by Ben Bailey Smith; Illustrated by Sav Akyüz
In this rollicking sequel to I Am Bear, Bear Moves' narrative combines strong percussive rhythms with fun, descriptive action words and beautiful, bold, graffiti-esque illustrations to encourage the reader to get up and bust-a-move. I call this the ultimate “Rise-and-Shine” book! Everybody, children and adults alike, will have a good hearty laugh at the word play in this fun, laugh-out-loud, shake-your-tail-feather book.

Thank you to Candlewick Press for sending me this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book.
2,122 reviews29 followers
December 10, 2019
Rhyming words, actions to make it interactive, silliness, and homophones... teachers and librarians alike could make this a fun read aloud.

There are some parts, that depending on the age you're reading to, may need to be skipped. Some parts are a little random as well. However, the pictures are vibrant and fun, and the flow of the story is great.

Could be a great book for word choice/phonological awareness as well as vocabulary and background knowledge.
Profile Image for Gia Bittner.
136 reviews
April 8, 2024
A purple bear demonstrates all kinds of different dance moves like the “running bear,” limbo, and robot. Silly and cute! This would be especially fun if Gia were on her feet and we could practice the moves together with Bear. I’m deducting one star for the depiction of the girl bear who was the main character’s dance partner. She was pink with long lashes and a sultry look on her face - not the most feminist portrayal.
-Mama
Profile Image for Molly Cluff (Library!).
2,491 reviews50 followers
December 26, 2018
Bear goes through his dance moves! There is some silly/naughty humor that I'd probably be too shy using in a library storytime (dancing in underwear, haha). But this would be really how in a home setting with a family who had a good sense of humor.
4,096 reviews28 followers
November 1, 2018
"Bring the music," shouts Bear and then Bear brings the moves! Bright, energetic and hilarious, this delightful book should get everyone on the dance floor. Loved it!
683 reviews
December 7, 2018
Hi-lar-i-ous! Strong rhythm, excellent dance moves, plus underpants and butt-cracks galore. My inner 9-year-old is howling with laughter!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,703 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2019
Not as good as I was hoping but, if you want to see illustrated dance moves done by a bear in underwear this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Tracy Hager.
428 reviews
May 25, 2019
Sadly this isn't Kitchen Disco but it's a bit of fun. I tried it for a class visit but I'm not sure it'd do that again with movement!
Profile Image for Brittany.
2,657 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2019
Illustrations = Great! Story = It just didn't flow well to me. It felt too choppy. Some have said to rap this book, but I tried and it still didn't flow.
Profile Image for Joelle.
178 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2021
My 6 year old really liked it, but since i have to read it to her, i give it 2 stars because it tries to rhyme but often misses the mark
Profile Image for Andrés.
1,528 reviews
September 16, 2023
A silly and vibrant way to be introduced to many styles of dance.
Profile Image for Margaret Boling.
2,730 reviews43 followers
March 12, 2021
3/12/2021 ~ I remember reading this last summer and thinking that the students in my elementary library would LOVE it. I was not mistaken. I just read it to a virtual kindergarten class and their laughter and movement traveled all the way through the cameras. Such a joy for a Friday afternoon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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