Close Modal

The Bear in My Family

Look inside
Hardcover
$18.99 US
8.3"W x 10.3"H x 0.3"D   | 13 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Mar 10, 2020 | 32 Pages | 9780525555827
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD280L | Fountas & Pinnell I
An overbearing older sibling can really be a bear, but the child in this understated, gently humorous story finds out that they can have their advantages, too.

"I live with a bear," the story's young narrator declares. The bear is loud, messy, uncouth, and very strong (too strong!). For some reason, his parents treat the bear like family, despite his protests. Why can't they see? Then he runs into some bullies on the playground. When the bear ROOAARS with all her might and scares them away, he realizes that there are advantages to having a bear in the family. In a delightful twist, the narrator's older sister (the bear) appears, telling him that she is NOT a bear. But if she is, HE is too--because two bears are even better than one!
  • SELECTION
    ALSC Notable Children's Books
  • SELECTION
    Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books
  • SELECTION
    Massachusetts Book Award
  • HONOR
    Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor
Kirkus
 Best Children’s Book of 2020
2021 ALSC Notable Children’s Books List


★ “A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Tatsukawa puts a fresh spin on a familiar story . . . that any younger sibling should instantly recognize.” —Publishers Weekly

"Little ones with older siblings in particular will likely appreciate the boy's gradually shifting perspective, as well as the warm portrayal of the multifaceted nature of sibling relationships." —Booklist

"Tatsukawa’s digital art balances off-kilter geometry and soft textures, with our blackish, blockish bear lumbering around, appropriately dwarfing the brother . . . Younger siblings will find this a refreshing change from the many books portraying the new baby as the problematic interloper." —BCCB

"For a debut title, this picture book is very well paced, and nicely emphasizes how even children at odds can connect . . . Simple and sweet. A story that should resonate with siblings." —School Library Journal

"Younger sisters everywhere should relate to our protagonist's point of view—and his eventual realization: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." —Horn Book
Maya Tatsukawa is a children's book illustrator and designer residing just outside of Boston. She also wrote and illustrated The Bear in My Family, and illustrated Dandelion Magic, by Darren Farrell. View titles by Maya Tatsukawa

About

An overbearing older sibling can really be a bear, but the child in this understated, gently humorous story finds out that they can have their advantages, too.

"I live with a bear," the story's young narrator declares. The bear is loud, messy, uncouth, and very strong (too strong!). For some reason, his parents treat the bear like family, despite his protests. Why can't they see? Then he runs into some bullies on the playground. When the bear ROOAARS with all her might and scares them away, he realizes that there are advantages to having a bear in the family. In a delightful twist, the narrator's older sister (the bear) appears, telling him that she is NOT a bear. But if she is, HE is too--because two bears are even better than one!

Awards

  • SELECTION
    ALSC Notable Children's Books
  • SELECTION
    Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books
  • SELECTION
    Massachusetts Book Award
  • HONOR
    Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

Praise

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor
Kirkus
 Best Children’s Book of 2020
2021 ALSC Notable Children’s Books List


★ “A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Tatsukawa puts a fresh spin on a familiar story . . . that any younger sibling should instantly recognize.” —Publishers Weekly

"Little ones with older siblings in particular will likely appreciate the boy's gradually shifting perspective, as well as the warm portrayal of the multifaceted nature of sibling relationships." —Booklist

"Tatsukawa’s digital art balances off-kilter geometry and soft textures, with our blackish, blockish bear lumbering around, appropriately dwarfing the brother . . . Younger siblings will find this a refreshing change from the many books portraying the new baby as the problematic interloper." —BCCB

"For a debut title, this picture book is very well paced, and nicely emphasizes how even children at odds can connect . . . Simple and sweet. A story that should resonate with siblings." —School Library Journal

"Younger sisters everywhere should relate to our protagonist's point of view—and his eventual realization: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." —Horn Book

Author

Maya Tatsukawa is a children's book illustrator and designer residing just outside of Boston. She also wrote and illustrated The Bear in My Family, and illustrated Dandelion Magic, by Darren Farrell. View titles by Maya Tatsukawa

Give This Book Away!

Two award-winning creators team up for this picture book about what happens–and how you feel–when you give to someone else. And then it asks you to do just that–with the book in your hands! Prepare to open a very special book–a book that you read, but that you don’t keep. That’s right. This book isn’t

Read more