Please Mind the Bear

by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

Mind the Bear is a book about respecting boundaries other's set for themselves and others. Bear is an introvert who prefers to be alone. He is very clear about what he doesn't want. So clear in fact, that he has a sign outside his house stating his rules. Rabbit doesn't like rules and doesn't respect boundaries. Rabbit continues to push - even after Bear asks Rabbit politely to stop many times. What happens when someone has stated clearly what they want and need, asks repeatedly to be heard, but is ignored? There are consequences for our actions. Sometimes they can be a steep price to pay as Rabbit learns. Mind the Bear is as much for adults as for our youngest readers. While children need to learn to respect adults, adults need to remember children have boundaries too. When we respect what others are saying they want - and don't want - we all feel safer in our own skin.

32 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2022

About the author

I write and illustrate books for children. I love to laugh, I love to have fun. I do not have time for mean people. Life is too short to not do what you love for a living. Or deal with mean people.

I like smiling. It's my favorite.

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
--Christopher Robin to Pooh”

Reviews

[Scott Rezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandson absolutely adores this new book! Personal rules and boundaries exist for a reason and Michelle Nelson-Schmidt has written a very charming and cute book for children—and adults!—about boundaries and what happens when those boundaries are not respected. Bear is a little introverted. Rabbit is not. Bear has simple rules for life which Rabbit forgets—or chooses to ignore. What happens when boundaries or rules are not followed? Hurt feelings ensue on both sides as Rabbit discovers when poor Bear’s patience runs out and he finally explodes at his friend. A clear, and clever, reminder that we all need to think about others first. Please read Please Mind the Bear. Your children will love it—and so will you!

I love the book’s tagline…
“Bear lives by some simple rules to follow. Rabbit doesn’t like rules.” 💕 🐻 🐇 😂

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I are big fans of Michelle's books and we just had to own this one. Michelle once again comes up with a brilliant concept that you don't see in children's books: about boundaries. I love that this came from a dream she had and then she wrote about it to make a book. We all have those Rabbits in our lives who don't know how to leave us alone until we explode. A great way for kids to learn that they need to follow rules and respect others boundaries. Once again, Michelle has blown our minds with another amazing book. My son can't get enough of it!

[Kathleen Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great lesson about respecting others’ boundaries and about setting your own. The discussion questions included reinforce the lesson well. As with all of Miss Michelle’s books, the illustrations are precious, and the humor is witty.

[Kathleen Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great lesson about respecting others’ boundaries and about setting your own. The discussion questions included reinforce the lesson well. As with all of Miss Michelle’s books, the illustrations are precious, and the humor is witty.