Goodbye, Bear

by Jane Chapman

“I miss Bear…” sniffed Mole, “but I know he wouldn’t want us to be sad.”

“How can we feel happy?” puzzled Beaver. “Everything is different now.”

Bear died on a Friday, as sun speckled the grass and caterpillars nibbled the leaves. Beaver and Mole are devastated by the loss of their friend. They share their sadness and anger, but find joy in their memories and stories of Bear. Together they decide to finish Bear's treehouse only to discover that he had a surprise waiting for them all along. One that they will carry in their hearts for ever.

It can be difficult to know what to do when someone dies. Grief is all-consuming, complex and powerful. This uplifting, gentle and reassuring story about the death of a loved one encourages those who have lost, both young and old, to celebrate and remember their loved one, while also finding solitude in friendship and community during times of hardship. The ideal companion for readers of Badger's Parting Gift, The Memory Tree and Michael Rosen's Sad Book.

Genres: Picture Books, Death, Grief, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Emotion

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Award winning illustrator Jane Chapman graduated from university with a First Class Honors degree in illustration. Working as both Jane Chapman and under her pseudonym Jack Tickle, she has had more than 75 titles published in more than 20 countries. Jane is perhaps best known for her illustrations in Karma Wilson's 'Bear' books, an internationally bestselling series which has garnered a string of awards including the Oppenheim Platinum Book Award for 'Bear Snores On'.

Jane's favorite thing to paint? SNOW!

Jane is married to children's author / illustrator Tim Warnes. They live in the South West of England with their 2 boys.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye, Bear is a heartfelt book. It begins with the death of Bear and follows the story of his friends Beaver and Mole who are grieving for him.

Through the pain of losing a close friend who they loved, the friends rely on one another to help them get through the dark times when they miss their good friend so much it hurts, through to the brighter times when they can remember bear without feeling too sad and preserve his memory with the help of a few other of Bears friends too.

Goodbye, Bear is quite a hard story to read but one that children who are going through the grieving process may just appreciate. Bear’s death is told with love and compassion and the whole tale has an air of comfort surrounding it.

A delicate subject that has been perfectly thought out and executed well. There are completely beautiful illustrations on every page too.

[Pi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piękna, wzruszająca i co najważniejsze - bardzo mądra książeczka, która zachwyci nie tylko dziecko, ale i dorosłego. ŻEGNAJ, NIEDŹWIADKU od pierwsze strony, od pierwszego zdania, trafia w serce: "Niedźwiadek umarł w pewien piątek..." Jest to tak wstrząsająco proste zdanie, że w pierwszej chwili zastanawiałam się, czy dobrze je przeczytałam... i tak, dobrze je przeczytałam i znaczy dokładnie to, co znaczy... Niedźwiadek umarł.
Jane Chapman porusza niezwykle ważny temat. Żałoba po stracie kochanej istoty, przyjaciela. Wcześniej, czy później, każde dziecko doświadczy tego bólu. Może zdechnie wierne zwierzątko... a może umrze ktoś bliski. To się zdarza i z tym trzeba sobie jakoś poradzić. Omijanie tego i innych trudnych tematów wcale nie pomaga małemu człowiekowi. Dziecko rozumie więcej niż nam, dorosłym się może wydawać.
ŻEGNAJ, NIEDŹWIADKU, to książeczka - pomimo tak smutnej rzeczywistości - ciepła i pełna radości. Tak! Pełna radości. Dlaczego? Bo śmierć jest pewna, ale to od nas zależy, czy damy się jej przytłoczyć, czy może będziemy pamiętać naszych przyjaciół? Może będziemy wspominać ich i ich uśmiech? I to co zrobili w życiu pięknego? I jak nam wielokrotnie pomogli przetrwać trudne chwile? Tak! Nasi przyjaciele, nasi bliscy będą żyć, dopóki żyć będzie pamięć o nich.
Jane Chapman stworzyła ważną opowieść i wspaniale ją zilustrowała. Książeczka jest wspaniale wydana. Twarda okładka, piękne kolory, czułe obrazy, duży format - wspaniała! Bardzo polecam. I jest to idealny przykład, że książki dla dzieci nie muszą być słodkie, lekkie i przyjemne. Ja bardzo cenię takie pozycje, które nie boją się trudnych tematów i wierze w to, wiem, że dzieci także takie opowieści kochają i to właśnie z takimi nie mogą się rozstać i o nich pamiętają... do końca.

odszedł, ale dla nas wciąż żyje
8/10
Wydawnictwo Wilga

[Aleksander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a library worker and this book nearly brought me to tears when I checked it in. A really powerful story about grief that will resonate with adults just as much as kids

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beaver and Mole are saddened at the death of their friend, Bear. They talk about how they miss their friend, how they are angry and sad, and how they just can't accept that he's really gone. Through the seasons, they find special ways to remember Bear. They return to his old treehouse, and find a meaningful way to honor their friend.

This tender story explores grief and sadness, explaining difficult emotions in a simple way for children to understand, without losing the validity and depth of those emotions. I really loved that although this book deals with a sad topic, there is hopefulness and healing in every page.

The soft illustrations are so beautiful! I love the gorgeous artwork of the forest and the little animal friends. The illustrations are instrumental in bringing a brightness to the story. The sunlight filtering through the trees brings an uplifting atmosphere to each scene. The art has a soothing quality that is really lovely.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Melisande · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://accrocdeslivres.blogspot.com/...

[Adora❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Złamało mi to serce :((((

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter how old someone is, dealing with grief and loss are challenging, and picture books such as this one might help ease the pain and chart a course for handling those conflicting emotions. After Bear dies on a lovely sunny day, Mole and Beaver struggle to make sense of what has happened and how everything else just goes on without Bear. They miss so much about him, and although they try to comfort each other, there are times when the grief is too pressing for words. As the seasons pass, they experience various emotions, including anger at Bear for leaving them. Eventually, as spring arrives, they decide to pass by Bear's house and even go inside. Once there, they discover that Bear had been thinking of them and was building a treehouse. The two friends decide to finish what he started, calling on their other friends for help. They also discover a painting of a constellation and are able to see that same Big Bear constellation in the sky. From the text and the softly-colored illustrations that fill every inch of each page with scenery, emotional responses, and actions, readers can recognize that Bear will never be forgotten even though his physical essence is gone. The book traces the cycle of grief through the animals' experiences, making it clear that all of this is a process and that there will be times when the grief is harder to deal with than other times. This picture book would go quite well with a text collection featuring The Rough Patch, Big Cat, Little Cat, and similar books, all focused on this same topic, an experience that never gets easier, even with practice.

[Jaimie Franchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading the Bear books to my kids since 2008, when my oldest was a toddler. My youngest and I just read this one for the first time, and I cried on the first page. I've never seen a picture book series/collection that ends with a book about the main character dying. I'm a big fan of picture books that gently but directly address death (Nan Forler's Rodney Was a Tortoise and Margaret Wise Brown's The Dead Bird are both favourites.) But there's something both heavier and more meaningful about reading about a character in PBs for years and then having him die, when you and your children have had a chance to get attached to him. It's so incredibly important for children to have a chance to experience these emotions through literature and art. 10/10, highly recommend, but only *after* you've read the other Bear books.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching narrative that deals with the topic of grief in an age-appropriate way for children ages 3-7 years old. The story begins with the death of Bear, and we see Beaver and Mole process through the loss of their friend with the help of each other and other forest friends. I think children at this young age who have experienced loss will resonate with the conversations and emotions in the narrative. It's beautifully done with appropriate expressions in the dynamic illustrations. And the story ends with an undertone of hope through the remembrance. It's a nice example to present to children on acknowledging the grief but also recognizing there is a way forward.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about grief, and it is intense about the subject. In fact, the first sentence of the book is "Bear died on a Friday" and it's made bigger and bolder than the other words on the page. I, as an adult, was shocked by such a beginning, and I can imagine that many kids will be, too. I don't think this is for a casual read, I think this book would work best for someone who is deep in the grieving process already, who needs to feel like others are out there that feel the same way they do. It does have a hopeful ending, but I do feel that this is a tough read for young ones. That is not a criticism, we need books like this, but if I had one criticism is that I feel it should have eased into it rather than have it come out of the gate so forcefully.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have so many things I want to tell him,” said Mole.
“You could tell me,” suggested Beaver.

Taking care of each other, sharing memories, being angry & sad at the same time, and working together to create new things that celebrate the life of those we loved & lost; Good-bye, Bear by Jane Chapman is the perfect #kidlit #SEL picture book for discussing grief, loss, & hope.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear has died and his friends are missing him, especially Beaver and Mole. They experience sadness and anger. Although they will always miss Bear, eventually they find a way to remember Bear and still find joy in their memories. A lovely picture book for all ages that touches on big emotions with gentleness and sensitivity.

[Jennifer]

Made me ugly cry. Cute illustrations of various woodland scenery. Soft and colorful. Winnie the Pooh-esque tale of loss and overcoming grief after the death of a friend through the mourning process and friendships, remembrance, coming together, and making something to remember the soul and look at the wider universe to be bathed in awe and transcendence.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the bear series by Karma Wilson and jane Chapman. This book is a follow-up written by Jane Chapman, about bear dying. The illustrations are done in the same style as the original bear series. Jane Chapman is one of my favorite illstrator for children's picture books.

[Auba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il.lustracions precioses, molt dolces i bucòliques, però uff... que trist! No me queda clar que sigui un bon llibre per introduir es tema de sa mort d'un ésser estimat an es fiets petits. A jo de petita estic pràcticament segura de que no m'hauria agradat.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear's friends learn how to deal with their sorrow after his death. The normal responses to grief are included, as are some coping strategies.
Excellent addition to a death/grief collection.
Fountas and Pinnell reading level N.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars and 5 tissues for this delicious book about grief

[Adrianna Bednarska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bardzo piękna. Krótka i przystępna dla dzieci. Idealna by pomóc najmłodszym poradzić sobie z ciężkimi emocjami po stracie.

[Melissa Casto]

This is the most precious book! It touched my heart, and the illustrations inspired me to write my new book.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

trudna książka o przechodzeniu żałoby. w pięknym ujęciu...

[Justus228 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Niedźwiadek umarł w pewien piątek, gdy słońce tańczyło na trawie..."

„Żegnaj, niedźwiadku” to kolejna piękna pozycja od @wydawnictwo_wilga , obok której nie sposób przejść obojętnie! Oprócz oczywiście szaty graficznej, która jest przepiękna, ta książeczka dodatkowo porusza bardzo ciężki temat, o którym my sami czasem nie wiemy jak rozmawiać z naszymi dziećmi. Niekiedy temat ten jest przez dorosłych pomijany, albo tłumaczony dość pobieżnie, czasem nawet niezrozumiale dla małego człowieka. Ja sama nie wiem, w jaki sposób miałabym ten temat ugryźć i kiedy. Przedstawiona tu książeczka jest smutna, jednak pod koniec pomaga zrozumieć pare rzeczy. Lubię takie mądre książki z przekazem. Czytałam ją mojemu dziecku i powiem szczerze, że sama bardzo się wzruszyłam. Ból i cierpienie najlepszych przyjaciół niedźwiadka i to jak w święta przypominali sobie wspólne chwile, naprawdę łapie za serce.

Dodatkowym plusem jest mała ilość tekstu, przez co nasze pociechy nie będą od razu zawalane masą informacji. Przekazane jest tylko to, co najważniejsze. A dodatkowo te piękne ilustracje, tworzą z tej książeczki naprawdę wartościową i zachwycającą pozycję, która zdecydowanie powinna znaleźć się w biblioteczce każdego maluszka 🥰

"Żegnaj niedźwiadku", to nie tylko historia o śmierci i tęsknocie. Mamy tutaj też pięknie zobrazowaną siłę przyjaźni, dzięki której w nawet najmroczniejszych momentach życia, istnieje iskierka nadziei na lepsze jutro. Szkoda, że takich przyjaciół, w rzeczywistości za wielu nie ma...

[Bravebook · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Żegnaj, niedźwiadku" to pięknie wydana książka w twardej oprawie i w dużym formacie, która opowiada o przeżyciach przyjaciół niedźwiadka, którego... No cóż, nie ma już na tym świecie.

Pokazano różne etapy żałoby - smutek, żal, złość, aż w końcu akceptację i radość odnajdywaną we wspomnieniach osoby zmarłej.

Dla niektórych dzieci może to być bardzo poruszająca i pouczająca opowieść, młodsze natomiast mogą nie zrozumieć w pełni jej przekazu. Jest jednak bardzo urocza, piękna i budząca wiele emocji.

Tekstu nie ma wiele, czcionka jest bardzo duża, lecz wartościowy przekaz ukryty jest między wierszami. Przyznaję, że "Żegnaj niedźwiadku" poruszyło bardziej mnie niż moją siostrę. W mojej pamięci ta książeczka zapisała się... Po prostu bardzo się zapisała. Myślę o niej z takim ciepłem w sercu, mimo że w grupie docelowej to nie jestem, i to od dawna 😅

Całości dopełniają prześliczne ilustracje! Spotkałam je już w innej książeczce tej autorki i tym razem również byłam nimi zachwycona. Są kolorowe, urocze i bardzo przytulne. Jedne z najpiękniej ilustrowanych książeczek dla dzieci jakie spotkałam!

Osobiście bardzo polecam, "Żegnaj, niedźwiadku " to książka o pięknym wnętrzu - zarówno pod względem treści u przekazu, jak ilustracji na jej stronach.

[Barbara Band · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very warm and gentle book that discusses a serious subject; that of bereavement and grief. The story opens with Bear dying and his friends, Beaver and Mole, feeling lost without him. Weeks later they still feel confused, miss him, and sometimes cry, asking themselves "How can we feel happy?" and "how could Bear leave us?"

When Spring arrives in the forest they decide to visit Bear's treehouse which they find in a rather sad state so decide to finish it for Bear. Other woodland friends come to help and as they work they find joy in sharing happy memories of Bear.

A lovely book to share with children to help them understand about grief.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

So this book is fashioned after the very popular "Bear Snores On" series that Jane Chapman illustrates (Karma Wilson is the author of that series), and my problem with this book, is that it would be very easy for a parent to grab this book off the shelf because their kid loves the Wilson series. Then they'd potentially be in for a talk with their child that they may not be ready to have, not to mention potential tears. Books about death and grief are important- there are many beautiful ones out there that I personally love. I just can't get past how tied in with a beloved series this one is. It feels slimy, and I just can't shake that.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story about dealing with grief and how to handle all the big, hard emotions that come with it. The art is good, the story is good, and the theme is not heavy handed. The story takes place of the course of a year and follows two of bear's friends as they deal with his loss. With age appropriate language, this would be a good book to have for a young child to help them with their grief and loss.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear has died, his friends Beaver and Mole are taking it hard. Lovely look at the way the friends grieve, how memories help. Beautiful ending might bring a tear to your eye. This book is solely the creation of illustrator Jane Chapman, not sure why her collaborator Karma Wilson was not involved. Therefore there isn’t the fun rhythmic text by Wilson, lots more text than their Bear series. The cover art on public library copy is daytime.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bear died on a Friday,
while sunlight speckled the grass...
and caterpillars nibbled leaves in the forest."

Bear dies, and his friends, Beaver and Mole, must come to terms with their loss. The two miss him and talk about him, and do things in memory of him over the course of a year, and the loss of Bear becomes easier to accept.

A beautifully written and thoughtful look at loss for young children. The ending is transcendent.

[Tatiana Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fala sobre a morte, sobre a amizade e sobre construírem algo em homenagem a um amigo, fazendo assim o seu luto. Nessa construção vão-se estreitando laços entre os amigos, fala-se sobre a perda, como viver o luto. Que emoções se podem sentir durante este processo? como dar continuidade ao sonho do amigo ausente. No âmbito do perfil do aluno enquanto Desenvolvimento pessoal e autonomia, relacionamento interpessoal.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Bear died on a Friday, all of his friends found the sudden loss of their friend devastating, and emotional overwhelming. But by pulling together and supporting each other, and remembering all of the good times shared with Bear they were able to face the loss of their good friend.

[Toad Soup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you have a recent death in your family and have no idea how to explain it to your child??? Then have I got the book for you