Bear Outside

by Jane Yolen

Lots of people have inner strength, but one girl wears hers as a bear outside.

Some folks have a lion inside,
Or a tiger.
Not me.
I wear my bear on the outside.

In this imaginative picture book by Jane Yolen, acclaimed author of many distinguished children's books including Owl Moon and How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, a girl explores the many ways she expresses herself by imagining that she wears a bear as her personal protective shell. They go everywhere and do everything together. The Bear is like a suit of armor and a partner all in one, protecting her from bullies and giving her strength to be bold when she needs it. In turn, she listens to and takes care of the Bear.

Jane Yolen's story beautifully portrays the relationships we have with our inner-selves, encouraging readers to stay in touch with and wear these qualities with pride. Her text is paired with the spritely art of Jen Corace, illustrator of bestseller Little Pea, Small World, and Brave Jane Austen.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Mental Health, Fiction, Emotion, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2021

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of a weird book. I liked the concept of a bear personifying her personality or introversion, but then it seemed to morph into an imaginary friend. I wish the book was either solely about imaginary friends or personality. The mixture of the two muddied the story's message for me.

[BookTrib.com]

Yolen’s story beautifully portrays the relationships we have with our inner selves and is paired with the wonderful art of Jen Corace, whose illustration was the inspiration for this book. As Yolen says, in order to write 400 books, you have to get at 400 ideas.

Read our full coverage here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/03/02/jane-...

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure I get this book (especially seeing others rating it 5 stars). I just don't get how the bear "portrays the relationship we have with our inner self."

The illustrations are pretty awesome though! I'll have to add a star for them.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those beautifully important books where it's hard to know if it's more for the child or for the parent. Probably because it's important for both, as great children's literature should be. It'll grow with you. Currently, I suspect Rowan enjoys Jen Corace's fantastic illustrations more than most anything else. Though Yolen's accessible text creates a rhythm he can readily follow. But the message of this story, while not necessarily lost on Rowan, I think is hitting me a little harder than it is him. In another year or two, if he's still up for reading it, I'll bet he starts to see some of those layers and meanings even more clearly. Oh this is a tender and special book.

[Mindy Alyse Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so full of heart. It makes me smile…and see the world in a slightly new way. I especially love the surprise ending. Another masterpiece from Jane Yolen…and Jen Corace’s illustrations are adorable.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this, so beautiful

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Created with gouache, ink, and graphite, the illustrations in this picture book fit the text very well, allowing readers to see the bear that the narrator, a young girl, wears to protect herself. This idea is the opposite of those individuals who draw strength from an animal spirit that is at their core since everyone can see her bear. The bear is with the girl in the classroom or engaged in various activities. The bear keeps her from being scared or feeling alone. The last page tugs at readers' heartstrings as she acknowledges that the nightlight her mother keeps on is for Bear, not her. She's the one that gets frightened at night, and not the girl. It would be interesting to see the reactions of young readers to this idea of a bear as a companion and one that kept someone feeling safe and secure.

[Andrea Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 stars). This isn't a simple straightforward story like most of the picture books I read. I had to think about this - who was the bear? How does the bear work? When I read the flap and saw the bear described as an "inner self" things clicked into place. I can see this working for a child - they'll understand the bear inside or the lion. I hope it doesn't smack too much of spirit animals however. The illustrations, like most picture books I've read lately, are beautiful - rice and detailed, made of mixed media, worthy of more than a quick read through. I will have to sit with this title some more.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I take care
of Bear,
and Bear
takes care of me."

This book is exactly what kids need right now. Jane Yolen uses a beautiful metaphor of wearing a bear on the outside--a bear that protects like armor. This story shows kids we don't need to hide our inner selves, that we need to stay be ourselves no matter what others say or do. The whimsical illustrations pair with sparse, lyrical text to create a book that's sure to mesmerize and evoke discussion about imagination, who we really are, and how to express ourselves in ways that build us (and others) up! Just lovely!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you had a big bear on the outside that helped keep you safe? That's the idea of this book and it feels like such an empowering message for the right kid. Jane Yolen has a way with words. They are sparse, but so perfectly chosen as you follow this little girl through her day. The illustrations are equally perfect. The watercolors feel gentle and whimsical in the way this kind of imagination should be. I love this book for kids who are shy, have big worries, or need to muster some bravery for the day.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shy girl protects herself by imagining that she is a bear on the outside. The girl and the bear do everything together (except swimming lessons).

Jane Yolen's minimal text is perfectly paired with Jen Corace's great illustrations. You can see the girl inside the bear, and both look like they are really enjoying themselves. A great metaphor for taking care of your inner self, and finding a way to be brave, or feel in control. By the way, this is Yolen's 400th book.

Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Mfbirkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little girl carries an imaginary bear with her everywhere: the backyard, the grocery store, to school, anywhere she needs courage. The bear gives her strength and comfort when she needs it and becomes her alter ego getting her through the day and night. This much-loved author has written another story to be read by parents and teachers when they need to reassure children that all will be well. The engaging illustrations complement the text to make an endearing story for ages three through seven.

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

In this story, a girl deals with social anxiety and boundary issues by imagining that she is protected by a big bear, which begs the question: Is her absent father to blame? Or has she simply created an imaginary friend to maintain her boundaries while she grows into her personality until it becomes more stable and solidifies into a self-concept? Hard to say, but the bear metaphor works until it doesn’t, such as at the pool, where it’s declared “dangerous.” Though charming at times, the illustrations don’t help to clarify matters.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple award-winning author Yolen tells the story of a child who wears their bear on the outside. Other people have a tiger or lion on the inside, but this kid has a bear...on the outside. The bear helps them deal with the world, gives them courage to be in spaces that might not feel safe.

I love this book. This is a great book to encourage kids to imagine a "shield" to help them deal with difficult situation. Fantastic concept! Highly recommended.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this because it's Jane Yolen - not otherwise a book I would pick, but I loved it! "Some folks have a lion inside, or a tiger. Not me. I wear my bear on the outside."
This girl wears her imaginary bear all the time! It helps her be brave and try new things. She takes care of bear, and bear takes care of her. Very cute, and a helpful visual for times when you have to be brave. Maybe you can try putting your bear on too?

[Miss Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this because it's Jane Yolen - not otherwise a book I would pick up, but I loved it! "Some folks have a lion inside, or a tiger. Not me. I wear my bear on the outside."
This girl wears her imaginary bear all the time! It helps her be brave and try new things. She takes care of bear, and bear takes care of her. Very cute, and a helpful visual for times when you have to be brave. Maybe you can try putting your bear on too?

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I categorized this book because too many people aren't friends with themselves and doubt themselves too much. The protagonist has an imaginary friend that keeps her company and bolsters her confidence. It's so lovely and doesn't stigmatize or make fun of our inner selves or how it manifests. I'm probably reading way too much into this, but it's just a heartwarming book.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the illustration style here. The bear seemed friendly and cuddly! I think this was supposed to be a metaphor of having a brave/playful/curious side that helps push you from your natural comfort zone? I'm not entirely sure. I did enjoy it though--and that the girl at the end isn't afraid of the dark, but the bear is. That was a cute turn.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jane's 400th book!! Congratulations, kudos, bravo, fantastic job!! What a wonderful book for kids and adults alike. The fantastic art is by Jen Corace, great job Jen!! Thank you Jane for all of the terrific children's books that you have shared with the world over the years, I look forward to reading many, many more from you!!!!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delight! A young girl imagines herself as a bear to help her get through tough everyday situations. Fantastic illustrations and a nice message about bravery and confidence.

Veg*n parents note: There is a dinner scene in which the girl states she likes eating chicken, while holding a chicken leg in her hand.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I was missing context with the main character's home life, but the flap said the bear represented "inner self," so I guess I didn't miss anything.
Sweet words and illustrations, but it didn't quite work for me as a personification of self or as an imaginary friend. It seemed to be somewhere in between.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I missed the vision of this book. I didn't see how the bear personified her "inner being" and toward the end, the bear started to feel more like an invisible friend than a metaphor for her personality? The illustrations are cute but I think it would be confusing to some children who might think she is wearing a bear costume...or has actually been eaten by a bear!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a granddaughter who has a nickname of Clair-Bear. Maybe she wears her bear inside and/or outside. I hope her bear gives her courage. This little bear provides friendship and bravery. There is imagination, acceptance, and trust. The only criticism I have is the illustration of the girl riding a bicycle without a helmet. An enjoyable read.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it, I tried to like it, maybe I'm too literal but neither my kid nor I really understood what's going on here. If it's her inner self, why can everyone else see it? And if it isn't, what is it? I know there was a point here but I missed it.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl imagines herself surrounded by a huge bear suit. The bear protects her and makes her fearless. The bear is like an imaginary friend. While I am glad the girl has a coping method for encountering the world, I am found the story confusing.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like a poem that someone decided to turn into a picture book, which often works well; this time it didn’t.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with beautiful, soft illustrations about being at peace with your inner self.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about having your courage or bear on like a suit of armor protecting you from the outside. You no longer worry about what's out there and feel protected to do what you want to do.

[Marianne Tabner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated....we can all relate to your inner bear.