Bear of My Heart

by Joanne Ryder

There are s many bears, in this world, dear. But there's no other one that will do. You are the bear of my heart, dear, and I am the one who loves you. Whether splashing in a stream, rolling down a hill, or snuggling with her cub, Mama Bear promises her baby that she will always be there. Margie Moore's adorable illustrations and Joanne Ryder's lyrical text illuminate this touching tribute to motherly love. Bear of My Heart is the perfect book for all kinds of mamas and their babies.

Genres: Picture Books, Love, Childrens, Family, Kids, Animals, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 26, 2006

About the author

Joanna Ryder is an award-winning author whose books offer a unique blend of poetry and science. Her innovative Just for a Day series invites children into the world of wild animals, ranging from a sea otter to Tyrannosaurus rex. Ms. Ryder says, "Children know that my books often ask them to imagine being a different creature. So they always ask me which animal I would choose to be. I'd be a flying one, I tell them. Or if I could, I'd wish for wings. And I've discovered children would love wings, too. But which ones to choose? I wrote Rainbow Wings to help us decide." Ms. Ryder lives in Pacific Grove, California.

-taken from www.balkinbuddies.com

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the field of super-mushy books about loving mommies, this one has the distinction of being only medium-cringey. At least to this Goodreader.

From a marketing standpoint, a book like this has these built-in big readerships:
* Mothers
* Pregnant women
* Grandmothers
* Women of grandmother age who can't wait to officially become grandmothers

Also, children between two months and two years of age, undergoing separation during some of that time, will love to snuggle and have this book be read to them.

TRUE TO THIS GENRE

You'll find unchallenging rhymes. Plus, many illustrations of hugging mother and child.
Illustrations are large.
Words are relatively few.

And there are no surprises, absolutely no surprises. Whether they're splashing in a stream, or rolling down a hill, or snuggling at any random time -- day or night, guess what?

Mama Bear promises her baby that she will always be there.

RATING THIS BOOK

For the intended readership, this is clearly a FIVE STAR read.

As for the rest of us, mileage may vary.

[Edward Sojuwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear of my Heart is another kid's book about familial love and cuddly bears, so please, BEAR with me (lol). A mamma bear swears unending love and devotion to her little one the way real mom's should but not all moms can or do: "You are the bear of my heart, and I am the one that loves you." My own mom made the same claim a few times. Sadly, she no longer sees me, knowing she's never the ONLY one to love me, much as she would wish it. Me, I still love her back. Cos she's my mom, and I'm the one with a Care Bear mentality, to love period, hoping to make changes in this world. But, enough about me: this book was written...with you in mind. Yeah you....all of you...silly old bears!!!
Four stars
Bears rock from loving hearts!

[Amandaharrison82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter got this book from her Auntie on her first birthday. She wanted to read it constantly for years. She is about to turn 11.. and whenever she’s away from me and she calls to say goodnight, I recite the book from heart and her tears go from being about how much she is missing me.... to how much she loves me/I love her and how thankful and lucky we are to have one another. Thank you Joanne Ryder for creating such memories, connection, feeling, comfort and love throughout the past ten years! This is our “Love you forever” book... “and nothing can take that away....”

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is almost saccharine-y sweet, but the illustrations are gorgeous. I don't think it would make a good group read aloud, but it's definitely great for one-on-one reading! Although I may try it with my toddlers if I can't find anything I like better for our mother-themed story time.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother's love for her cub.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a children's lit unit. Big emphasis on unconditional love. Good for toddler age children and bedtime stories.

[Shayla Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book to read to my children... my youngest daughter slept with this book ever since she was a baby. ❤️

[David Detmer · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was better when I was younger

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, how I miss the days of my young children sitting on my lap and cuddled up beside, reading books such as this.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet book for a parent and child to read together.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet "love" book. This book replaced "I Love You So" as our morning "I love you" book to read over breakfast. (Coco preferred this one to I Love You So) I think I'm going to start a new tradition (like the Christmas Picture Book Advent) and read "love" books in February. (Another reason/excuse to buy picture books. LOVE it!)

So, right now the three I would recommend are "You and Me" by Martine Kindermans (10 stars!) and "I Love You So", and this one. Anybody else have some great relationship (mostly parent/child)picture books to recommend?

PLUS:
I BOUGHT THIS AT DESERET BOOK IN THE BARGAIN SECTION FOR $4.99 . . . I just used my points. Love it!!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the greatest, cutest, most loving stories I have ever read to any young child.

I read this book to my younger sister (4 years old), and we both enjoyed it immensely. I loved the way it rhymed and just how sweet it was.

It was a short story with tons of adorable pictures. It is great for any child with a short attention span. If you dread reading to a child because they get restless, you should try this book. All kids should be read to, and this is a great starting point.

[Asho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. It almost brought a tear to my eye as I was reading it to my son, who is definitely "the bear of my heart." The only downside is that the illustrations are a bit girly, so I can't see a typical boy loving this one past the toddler phase. But for now, though, I think it's a great bedtime story. It's such a sweet message about how the parent will always be there to share the ups and downs of life with the child. It's the perfect reassuring story.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story, words from a mama bear to her cub. It has adorable illustrations and beautiful flowers and scenic backgrounds. The narrative is pure heartfelt poetry. As a mother, I loved it...it made me just melt. But for some reason, however, our girls got pretty bored by it.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

A younger bear or Valentine story. Not sure if it is simple enough for my baby lap time, but I think it would work better than Lilly's Chocolate Heart.

[~Geektastic~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deceptively simple. A lilting rhyme, simple watercolor illustrations and cuddly bears shouldn't make me so emotional, but I tear up a little every time I read it to my son. It has become the favorite for bedtime reading. Perfect for every little bear.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a darling book, simple and sweet poem that does not cloy, lovely pictures, perfect for a heart to heart.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good family book- not for storytime.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of those "read one on one to your child" books that plays like a hallmark card. sweet pictures.

[Michelle & Michael]

J P RYD-[BA]

[Laura Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tired of Love You Forever? Swap it out and try this.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I will love you forever and ever, for YOU are the bear of my heart." A recent library pick up that Cady and I have read almost every night so far :)

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute poem about mama bear and cub.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

mom tells her little bear what love is--spending time, being there when you're sad, and always staying connected. this is the kind of book you buy and read all the time.

[Liwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

一本很適合爸爸媽媽唸給小小孩聽得故事，藉由故事告訴孩子他/她在父母的心目中就是獨一無二的寶！！

[Jack]

Read tally: 3 as of 8/27/15

[Michelle Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

little one had me read it twice in a row

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious I-love-you board book for preschoolers. Tender illustrations, too.