Ask Mr. Bear

by Marjorie Flack

Trying to find the perfect birthday present for his mother isn't easy for Danny. The hen offers eggs, the goose feathers and the sheep wool. But mother already has those things. Then the cow suggests that Danny go ask Mr. Bear. It's from him that Danny gets a special and unique gift for his mother.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Storytime, Kids, Classics

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjori...

Marjorie Flack was an American artist and writer of children's picture books. She was best known for The Story about Ping (1933), illustrated by Kurt Wiese, popularized by Captain Kangaroo, and for her stories of an insatiably curious Scottish terrier named Angus, who was actually her dog. Her first marriage was to artist Karl Larsson; she later married poet William Rose Benét.

Her book Angus Lost was featured prominently in the film Ask the Dust (2006), starring Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek, in which Farrell's character teaches Hayek's character, a Mexican, to read English using Flack's book.

Flack's grandson, Tim Barnum, and his wife, Darlene Enix-Barnum, currently sponsor an annual creative writing award at Anne Arundel Community College. The Marjorie Flack Award for Fiction consists of a $250 prize for the best short story or children's storybook written by a current AACC student.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ask Mr. Bear A charmer! I love Flack's illustrations, they are so luminous. All the characters practically glow with warmth. This is a sweet little cumulative story about a little boy who goes looking for a birthday present for his mother. He asks all the farm animals what they might be able to give but she already has what they can offer. They tell the boy to ask Mr. Bear. None of the farm animals are brave enough to go with him, but the boy goes alone. You might (or might not) be surprised at what Mr. Bear tells him... but I will tell you that I had a big smile on my face when I reached the last page, as did my four-year-old. It's perfect! Our copy from the library came with a CD and my son immediately wanted to pop it in and listen to the story all over again.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh! I adore this! Thanks for your recommendation, Kathryn; I just read it on openlibrary. My middle son is named Danny and he looked a lot like this child, and he loved animals, and he was affectionate. I wish I'd known of this book when he was little. I'll try to track down a copy now.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! My entire childhood!!

[Jovan Cianci · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a kid named Danny whose mother's birthday is coming up, and he is wondering what he should get his mom for her birthday. So then he goes and asks a hen and asks more people what he should do.

[Janelle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite with my little people, especially around age 2. I've read this one over and over!

[Charlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Mother may have wanted Mr. Bear for a present instead.
But a hug's nice too.

[Ronan Crutchfield]

I was a little distracted reading this one

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask Mr. Bear is about a little boy who was hunting for a present. He asks all the animals and nothing seems right for a present until at last he meets Mr. Bear. It is fun to guess what Mr. Bear whispered to Danny, and of course the last picture shows. (Goodreads Summary)

Marjorie Flack's illustrations help carry this simple story about a boy looking for the perfect gift for his mother. The cumulative tale ends on the last page as readers discover that love is an wonderful gift, and that with lots of thought you may discover the perfect gift. A gentle story that holds up well for younger children. For ages 3 to 6.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww ... the ending will put a smile on your face!

Young children just love stories where things or characters are added, page by page. I call them "building-block stories." They're obvious, repetitive and oh so catchy! They're just the right level for toddlers to grasp the idea that there's another "building block," and they do love trying to guess what comes next. It's one of the best formats to keep youngsters engaged and eager to read more.

Ages 2+

[Kelly Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. It has good repetition, but it got a little old for me after 5 iterations--although I'm sure kids don't mind!

[Cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2022

2021
Gift from Harper's grandmother

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since it was first published in 1932, this classic has entertained young readers with its brightly colored illustrations; the quest of its polite, thoughtful protagonist; and its soporific repetition. Yet does anyone wonder why the animals, which have been so accommodating and cooperative, refuse to go with the boy to ask Mr. Bear? Perhaps Mr. Bear’s secret was something more ponderous than a hug?

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so CUTE! It's about a little boy searching for the perfect gift for his mom. Along the way he meets different farm animals until one of them says go ask the bear. My son had me read this to him about 3 times in one night. He love the pictures and gave me a great big bear hug when I was done reading it to him.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Mr. Bear, with a copyright of 1923, ages quite well. Danny wants to give his mother the perfect birthday present, so he asks all the animals what to do. And after many tries, he does of course find the perfect thing. Overall nothing overall special, but it is nice to see some of the older ones hang on.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this adorable children's book,
Ask Mr. Bear! A little boy is trying to find the perfect birthday gift for his mother. He asks a variety of farm animals, but everything suggested, his mother already has. He asks Mr. Bear to find the best gift. You'll have to read the book to find out what that perfect gift is!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny's mom is having a birthday and Danny goes in search of a gift for her. He asks all the farm animals if they have something he might be able to give her.

This is an easy story that is easy to understand.

[Mely · Rating 4 out of 5]

The nostalgia alone makes this book such a wonderful, comfy read. I love the vintage illustrations. The story is simple and cheeky. My little one loves animals and it was fun to read this out loud and make up different voices for each.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a very simplistic story, with good practice for animal sounds, and a sweet ending. Nothing fancy, but fun asking my toddler who he thinks the next animal is going to be and quizzing him on sounds.

[Janette Nuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this story as a child. As an adult, I want to share the story with others.
Good message about genuine heartfelt love.
The world needs more books like this.
The message is simple and uncomplicated

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a bummer that Danny seeks out the help of all these female characters and they ultimately defer to the male character. I want to know why none of the animals would go with Danny to see Mr. Bear. If I were Danny's mom, I would've wanted the blanket.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyright 1932. I love old books. This is beautifully illustrated and written. Classic.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable and full of the repetition children love. Thankfully the repetition varies slightly sparing the adult from boredom.

[Rachel B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfectly simple story that utilizes repetition of form to engage young readers. Just make sure to have a conversation about how one should never actually run off by oneself towards a real bear.

[Ice 9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://letterstocassiandotherfolks.bl...

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a child looking for feedback on the perfect gift for his mother. Mr. Bear has just the idea.

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic book that withstands the test of time for it's basic premise of what can be the best gift to give.

[Kaelee Bungard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a cute book. It would also be good for kids to practice naming their animals!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for language development

[Kiersten Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ask Mr. Bear" follows the story of Danny who is trying to find the perfect gift for his mother's birthday. He asks a few different animals, but they all suggest gifts that his mother already has. Finally Danny must ask Mr. Bear, who gives him the best idea of them all. This book can be used to teach children that it is okay to ask for help when they have questions.