Good Job, Little Bear

After greatly enjoying my first excursion into the world of Big Bear and Little Bear, in the form of cute-as-a-button bedtime book, Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, I thought I would try another of their picture-book adventures, and Good Job, Little Bear (published in the UK as Well Done, Little Bear) did not disappoint! Another sweetly satisfying examination of the parent-child relationship, it follows the ursine duo as they take a stroll through the forest, with Little Bear ranging out in front, and exploring - climbing rocks, leaping off branches, skipping across streams - and Big Bear always there, in the background, ready to catch his little one, and keep him safe.

An endearing story, one which emphasizes the parent's role as show more protector and teacher - Big Bear is always there, in the background, willing to let Little Bear discover the world on his terms, but ready to step in, if his help is needed - Good Job, Little Bear offers reassurance and affirmation for young children, who are just beginning to get a sense of the wider world beyond their home, and to feel both drawn to it, and fearful of it. I liked that this is a father-son duo, as so many of these types of books seem to focus more on the mother's role as nurturer, and neglect the father's. The artwork, done in watercolor, is every bit as cute as in Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, and perfectly captures the emotional register of each scene. All in all, it's another winner from Waddell and Firth! show less

This is a really cute book that emphasizes the parents role as a protector. It reminded me a lot of my relationship with me son. Little bear loves to explore and test his limits, and big bear is always there to catch him. Martin Waddell explicitly states the message of the book in the last sentence when big bear says, "I'll be there when you need me... always." This book gives children reassurance that no matter what their parents will always be there for them.

While exploring in the forest with Big Bear, Little Bear sets out on his won adventures. All by himself, he finds rocks to climb and branches to bounce on, and every step of the way, Big Bear is nearby to praise him for a job well done. But when Little Bear tries to cross a stream, he finds himself in trouble. Of course, Big Bear is there to lend a hand, and gently reassure Little Bear.

All day, little bear and big bear explore in the woods. Little bear leads the way, he bounces on branches, and skips across the stream. Little bear is having a great time, until he falls into the stream! Little bear is scared, but big bear is right there and saves little bear from the water. Big bear and little bear explore all the way home to the bear cave. Big bear tells little bear that he will always be there for him whenever little bear needs him. This is a great book to let kids simply know that you love them, and that you will always be there for them.

This book is one of our favourites, though the children have grown out of it. It's a lovely story of parenthood and reassurance, and giving confidence to our children.

Little Bear goes exploring, but Big Bear is never far behind. Even when Little Bear falls in the water, he's not scared, because he knows that Big Bear will "be there when you need me...always."

Pencil and watercolor illustrations.

Little Bear, Big Bear, Big Bear, Little Bear, twenty times per page! Argh! Would it be so hard to give them names?!