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No Bears Allowed
Rabbit is afraid of many things, but most of all he's afraid of gigantic, monstery, BEARS! The very nervous Rabbit is soon confronted by his worst fear who appears to be far more interested in making new friends than causing Rabbit any real harm. Despite his apprehension, Rabbit agrees to join his jovial new acquaintance for dinner, but wait a minute . . . is Bear planning to "have" Rabbit for dinner? In this tender story about a very nervous rabbit and a lovable bear, Rabbit discovers that things aren't always as scary as they seem, and sometimes you may just have more in common with others than you think.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 24, 2019
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Lukidis
47 books44 followersLydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth's Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023). She also continues writing fiction and humorous books, like her debut graphic novel series, GROUCHO THE GROUCHY GROUNDHOG (Andrews McMeel, 2025/6). She won numerous awards such as the Crystal Kite Award for the Canada and North America division, a Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and multiple Cybils Award nominations.
Lydia is very involved in the kidlit community. She volunteers as a judge on Rate your Story, co-hosts the annual Fall Writing Frenzy competition, and is an active member of SCBWI, CANSCAIP, 12 x 12, and The Authors Guild. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program.
Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from Aevitas Creative Management. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
Lydia is very involved in the kidlit community. She volunteers as a judge on Rate your Story, co-hosts the annual Fall Writing Frenzy competition, and is an active member of SCBWI, CANSCAIP, 12 x 12, and The Authors Guild. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program.
Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from Aevitas Creative Management. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 30, 2019
"Rabbit cowered when he heard booming thunder above his burrow.
He scurried under his bed when things went BUMP in the night.
And he squawked when he spotted creepy-crawly spiders.
Rabbit was frightened of many things.
But most of all, he was frightened of gigantic, monstery . . ."
NO BEARS ALLOWED, by Lydia Lukidis is a story of fear growing into friendship. Expressive illustrations by Tara J. Hannon combine with well chosen text to create a book that shows we can be friends with anyone, no matter how different we are. And usually, we have more in common with others than we thought! Rabbit and Bear bond over their fear and form an unlikely friendship. Themes of anxiety, discrimination, acceptance, belonging and friendship will evoke discussion and resonate with all types of readers.
He scurried under his bed when things went BUMP in the night.
And he squawked when he spotted creepy-crawly spiders.
Rabbit was frightened of many things.
But most of all, he was frightened of gigantic, monstery . . ."
NO BEARS ALLOWED, by Lydia Lukidis is a story of fear growing into friendship. Expressive illustrations by Tara J. Hannon combine with well chosen text to create a book that shows we can be friends with anyone, no matter how different we are. And usually, we have more in common with others than we thought! Rabbit and Bear bond over their fear and form an unlikely friendship. Themes of anxiety, discrimination, acceptance, belonging and friendship will evoke discussion and resonate with all types of readers.
July 22, 2019
That rabbit’s binoculars are a metaphor folks. As adults, we tend to walk around with our perception goggles rigged for bias, possibly through parental conditioning coupled with mass media that insidiously (and often blatantly) establishes and then reinforces cultural, racial, and class bias. So we tend to see others through that lens, and to a lesser extent through our experiences.
Kids, those little sponges, need books that help them become aware, again and again, of how they may make snap judgments about others, based on what they've seen or heard, or even imagined. And refreshingly, unlike my soapboxing, NO BEARS ALLOWED! is not didactic. You'll find no 2x4s for head-whacking the reader within its pages.
Rabbit must go on his journey to learn that fear can be misplaced, misleading, or downright wrong. And in the end, rabbit not only learns to face his fear but also discovers that others (including those big scary BEARS!!) may have similar fears, too.
By getting to know someone who's not like us, fears/distrust/bias can fall away, and we can become friends. There are plenty of adults who could benefit from reading this book, I'm thinking.
Tara J. Hannon's illustrations are simultaneously sweet and hilarious in their detail—a visual treat that gives kids plenty of opportunity to understand the story before they're able to read it for themselves. Give those illustrations the time they deserve; they add another layer of richness to this sweet, funny, and meaningful story. Enjoy!
Kids, those little sponges, need books that help them become aware, again and again, of how they may make snap judgments about others, based on what they've seen or heard, or even imagined. And refreshingly, unlike my soapboxing, NO BEARS ALLOWED! is not didactic. You'll find no 2x4s for head-whacking the reader within its pages.
Rabbit must go on his journey to learn that fear can be misplaced, misleading, or downright wrong. And in the end, rabbit not only learns to face his fear but also discovers that others (including those big scary BEARS!!) may have similar fears, too.
By getting to know someone who's not like us, fears/distrust/bias can fall away, and we can become friends. There are plenty of adults who could benefit from reading this book, I'm thinking.
Tara J. Hannon's illustrations are simultaneously sweet and hilarious in their detail—a visual treat that gives kids plenty of opportunity to understand the story before they're able to read it for themselves. Give those illustrations the time they deserve; they add another layer of richness to this sweet, funny, and meaningful story. Enjoy!
June 28, 2019
No Bears AllowedRabbit was frightened of many things, from creepy crawly spiders to his worst nightmare—a giant monstery bear. “Bears are scary, oh yes they are! With their pointy teeth and long, sharp claws.”
NO BEARS ALLOWED, by Lydia Lukidis tells a tale of courage and a surprising friendship. Bear is kind. Rabbit conquers his fears and saves the day. Rabbit and Bear find out that they are more alike than different. This charming story demonstrates that no matter how small you are you can still be brave. Tara J. Hannon’s delightful illustrations spotlight details and character expressions. This winning combination of text and art begs to be read again and again.
NO BEARS ALLOWED, by Lydia Lukidis tells a tale of courage and a surprising friendship. Bear is kind. Rabbit conquers his fears and saves the day. Rabbit and Bear find out that they are more alike than different. This charming story demonstrates that no matter how small you are you can still be brave. Tara J. Hannon’s delightful illustrations spotlight details and character expressions. This winning combination of text and art begs to be read again and again.
November 27, 2019
I was lucky to find a signed copy in an independent book store in Montreal so this book is extra special to me!
What a great story to help children (and adults) realize that things are not what they always seem to be. Especially in our current climate of understanding and appreciating diversity across a variety of areas in our lives, No Bears Allowed is a great example of overcoming a fear of something or someone just because you think they are scary or different than you are. Turns out Rabbit and Bear have much more in common than they realize!
I also have to mention how vibrant and engaging the illustrations are in this story. I absolutely love the colourful images and found this to be one of the best illustrated picture books I've read in a long time, maybe ever! Beautiful work!
What a great story to help children (and adults) realize that things are not what they always seem to be. Especially in our current climate of understanding and appreciating diversity across a variety of areas in our lives, No Bears Allowed is a great example of overcoming a fear of something or someone just because you think they are scary or different than you are. Turns out Rabbit and Bear have much more in common than they realize!
I also have to mention how vibrant and engaging the illustrations are in this story. I absolutely love the colourful images and found this to be one of the best illustrated picture books I've read in a long time, maybe ever! Beautiful work!
July 26, 2019
A fun book with cute illustrations!
Children will love Rabbit and Bear! Poor Rabbit is afraid of Bear at first. Bear looks scary with his pointy teeth and sharp claws. But looks are deceiving and Rabbit finds out that he has much in common with Bear, like their love of carrots. Once he gets to know Bear better and lets go of his fears, he is open for a nice surprise. Lovely story by Lydia Lukidis and delightful illustrations by Tara Hannon will have children wanting to read this book again and again!
Children will love Rabbit and Bear! Poor Rabbit is afraid of Bear at first. Bear looks scary with his pointy teeth and sharp claws. But looks are deceiving and Rabbit finds out that he has much in common with Bear, like their love of carrots. Once he gets to know Bear better and lets go of his fears, he is open for a nice surprise. Lovely story by Lydia Lukidis and delightful illustrations by Tara Hannon will have children wanting to read this book again and again!
October 4, 2019
Rabbit is scared of many things, but nothing is more frightening than bears. So naturally, when he comes across a bear in the forest, he's terrified. As the story goes on, and Bear saves him again and again, Rabbit begins to question his feelings. The illustrations are adorable and include some fun little details, like Bunny Bandages for all fur types. This is a story young children will want to read again and again.
December 11, 2019
I received an e-arc in exchange of an honest review. No Bears Allowed is a super funny story about a bunny who thinks bears are scary. Will he continue to be afraid? I love that this book can teach kids not to judge someone by how they look or stereotype them based on what they're heard about them. I love the illustrations and catchy words. I also love how they share something special at the end that unites them :) Highly recommend this fun book!
August 27, 2019
As an elementary school librarian, this book will definitely be added to my collection. My students will adore rabbit and bear's shaky encounter with one another and will applaud their friendship at the end. Tara Hannon's fun illustrations pair perfectly with Lydia's story telling to create a picture book that will be read many times over.
January 11, 2020
This book is definitely one that the kids will pick up and read over and over again. I kept finding it all over my house this week! The illustrations are detailed, rich in imaginative qualities, and colorful. Coupled with the fun, humorous text (the rabbit's voice is particularly humorous), it becomes a balanced, great story to read aloud.
June 13, 2019
I'm the editor of this book, so I don't know that it is appropriate to write a review because naturally, I love it. I wanted it to be included in "my books" so I've added it. I will leave reviews to the many happy readers that I know will share their reading experience.
November 6, 2019
The illustrations help keep the pages turning. Rabbit is lovable, Bear is a bit scary, and together the two characters help get the message across in a nice, subtle way.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
November 5, 2019
This is a cute story and has some funny moments. It's got a great message about not judging people (or animals) based on prejudices, stereotypes, or assumptions. The illustrations are adorable.
November 14, 2019
It is a great book to teach about stereotypes, biases, and making friends.
September 10, 2019
This book shows how wrong preconceived notions can be. Lively illustrations and fun characters, this is definitely a “Read it again!” book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews