Bear Is a Bear: A Classic Picture Book About a Beloved Teddy Bear Companion for Children

by Jonathan Stutzman, Dan Santat (Illustrator)

A story about a little girl and her childhood friend, Bear.

Bear is . . . a new friend, a fellow mischief-maker, a protector, and a dreamer.

Through all the many ups and downs of a little girl’s childhood, Bear is there to provide love and support. Until it is time to say goodbye . . . and hello again.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Storytime, Family

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

Jonathan is a writer of picture books, a filmmaker, book hoarder, and daring explorer of 24-hour diners. He is the author of the bestselling TINY T. REX series, LLAMA DESTROYS THE WORLD and LLAMA UNLEASHES THE ALPACALYPSE, FITZ AND CLEO, BUTTS ARE EVERYWHERE, and many others.

His next book is BEAR IS A BEAR illustrated by Dan Santat.

Jonathan studied film in college and grad school. His short films have screened around the world and on television, and he has writing credits on Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Emmy-winning variety show HitRECord on TV.

If you ever meet him in person, he will probably-maybe share his french fries.

Reviews

[Hannah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will stomp all over your heart and make you cry but in a good way, I promise! The story reminds me a little of Calvin and Hobbes, The Giving Tree, and Love You Forever, but it's definitely a one-of-a-kind book about the evolution of friendship between a beloved stuffed bear and his girl as she grows up, goes to college, and has a child of her own. There is so much to look for in the illustrations, which are magnificent. I had to take a moment when I reached the page where Bear climbs into the chest. That page really got to me. Grown-ups are going to love this. Kids will have fun looking at the illustrations, but I imagine a lot of them will be offering their grown-ups a tissue.

[Jessica Furtado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all the feels. Emotion creeps up on you in such a quiet, subtle way that you’ll be surprised when you’re crying at the end. Kiddos & adults will both find a story to treasure here.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of both Jonathan Stutzman and Dan Santat, I was excited to read this book and I was not disappointed. Bear Is A Bear is all about one of the most important friendships you make during childhood and the adventures one has along the way. Stutzman’s beautiful works and Santat’s masterful illustrations work together to create a touching story.

[Tina Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just minding my own business, reading the new books that came into the library today when WHAM! I find myself crying as I read this beautiful and gorgeously drawn book. An excellent ode to the toys of childhood.

[Union County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a girl and her teddy bear. It chronicles their adventures together and shows how their time together means the world to bear. The story's end was a surprise for me, and gave me all the "feels." Anyone who has ever loved a bear (or dolly or rabbit..... you get the idea) will surely say "Awwww" at the end of this book. Great read about growing up!

- Reviewed by Sherri F.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have adult children bring the tissues!

[Kris Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

ha! I love the author and illustrator photos - photos of their bears!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the overall theme but the actual story/line rhythm didn’t hit for me.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

...And I'm weeping in the stacks again. Thanks a lot, Becky! Seriously though, this is adorable.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text and the illustrations of this book work wonderfully together. Throughout most of the book, the bear looks like a real, big bear presented to a baby at the beginning of the book and it's ridiculous and funny to see a real bear treated as it is, "Bear is a snack (chewed on). Bear is a tissue (snotted on)...Bear is a fancy lady (a huge bear wearing a hat, boa, and tutu)." It is not until the end that we see the bear as what it is, a worn and well-loved teddy bear. As a stuffed animal lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this portrayal of the life-cycle and rebirth of a big, cozy bear. :)

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like a modern-day Velveteen Rabbit, and I loved it!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear is a Bear is the story of the ups and down of a little girl's life, and growth, and no matter what, Bear has been there for and with her through it all. Bear is someone who everyone should have in their life.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are countless teddy bears" books, but this one offers a distinct perspective and story trajectory that elevates it into timeless and heartfelt beyond a solid "aww" of recognition and appreciation.
Written with charm and excellence, incorporating repetition and patterns that will ahve little readers chiming in, the most irresistible aspect of the story are the illustrations that give "bear" the perspective and significance and personality to reflect Bear's well-earned spot in our hearts.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is incredibly sweet without being saccharine, and even though the story it tells has been done before, it's never been done in exactly this way. I really enjoyed the text, illustrations, and message, and love how the authors shared pictures of their childhood stuffed bears in lieu of author photos at the end.

[Eti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not crying... you're crying...
"bear is a bear full of love" :)
Can it be canon that Bear and Beekle are friends? Please and thank you.
A beautiful tribute to beloved companions of our childhood who never really leave us.

[Michelle Boquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book tugged at my heart. Dan Santat illustrations are touched with humor and love. This story is about the relationship between a child and their bear. As the child grows the relationship changes. Love this sweet book!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

To a young girl, a toy bear is a constant companion, a close friend, a protector, and source of comfort and reassurance. Wonderful, warm digitally rendered illustrations by Dan Santat.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Bear is a bear hopeful and shy. Bear is a bear full of love. Bear is a new friend. Bear is a snack. Bear is a tissue. Bear is a soft, warm pillow. Bear is a bear covered in fuzz. Bear is a bear full of love.

Premise/plot: The many, many, many, many, many, many adventures (with a few misadventures perhaps???) of a girl and her teddy bear. The book opens with BEAR being given to a very young child. Throughout the book, we see them together through ALL that life has to bring. We see them together....until they aren't. But will Bear make a comeback???

As may be obvious from the cover art, Bear is presented throughout the book not as a TEDDY BEAR (a toy) but as an ACTUAL, ACTUAL, ACTUAL BEAR. It isn't until the very, very, very end of the book that readers catch a glimpse of him as a toy.

My thoughts: LOVELY. This book was absolutely lovely. There were definitely some bittersweet moments--from an adult perspective mainly. But the ending was redemptive, in my opinion. I don't know that a child would read this and feel any sadness whatsoever. Though perhaps a sensitive child might. I can't say for sure.

I might have read it as a child and thought NO, NEVER, EVER, EVER WILL I EVER PUT MY BEAR IN A BOX AND FORGET ABOUT HIM.

But I think the story celebrates LIFE and is very true-to-life. There were little details--like seeing the Bear provide comfort to the girl as she reads LITTLE WOMEN. (That book does need a warning label!!!!)

Is it more for adults than children???? I'm not sure. Perhaps. Probably. Does that matter??? I think adults *need* picture books too.

[Leslie Sachlis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you had a special inanimate friend while you were growing up, you will love this story of friendship, sharing and feeling safe. Old friends stay friends forever and then sometimes . . . can be shared with others.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after one of my students gave it a rave review and I appreciate this nostalgic, imaginative tale. I especially love the photographs of the stutzman and santat’s own teddy bears on the dust jacket. My kids didn’t quite get the book - perhaps because they can’t quite imagine a world where they put down their beloved stuffed animal friends. A 2022 Caldecott contender.

[Jo-Ann Houde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming!

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pregnancy hormones may be to blame here, but this book made me bawl.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tissues, anyone? This book is great for parents and children -- nostalgic vibes are going towards one well-worn stuffed animal who my constant companion throughout my childhood. Beautiful story.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would pair nicely with Rocking Horse Christmas and my entire life of believing toys are some kind of alive.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming.
Just don't look under the jacket to the case cover with kids before reading as it gives away the (possibly) surprise ending.

[Kaitlyn Stanquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

So endearing. Almost made me cry.

[Christine Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story. I love Dan Santat's art, and the story has a great ending:)

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allllll the nostalgic feelings are in this book. And I really love Santat's illustrations.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy my kids don't judge me for crying while I read to them.