Bear in space by Deborah Abela
Illus. by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN:
9781760651510.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Bear dreams of space travel, building
himself a rocket ship and taking on board his dog, books, an extra
blanket and a thermos of hot chocolate to drink.
He tries to tell the other bears of his interest and plans but they
laugh at him and his interesting facts. But he finally is ready and
blasts off, drifting around in space, drinking his chocolate and
reading his books. Here no one laughs at him or calls him names. One
day just as he is beginning to feel somewhat alone he spies
something coming towards him. It is Panda and he invites her on
board. She is just as interested in space and they share their
enthusiasm about rockets and asteroids and alien life forms, making
plans for future forays into space together. When they return
to Earth they find their plans are noticed by the other bears, and
one even volunteers to go into space with them. The bears no
longer laugh but ask questions, and they are answered.
This delightful story about space, complete with a sprinkling of
interesting facts throughout the book, will enthral younger readers
as they notice the trappings that all good space explorers need to
have. Not only will readers be encouraged to look up and view the
night sky, but will be intrigued by Bear's explorations, asking
about other space explorers and what they have seen. The facts
dotted in the story also intrigue and delight, giving a few basic
facts about space that are easily absorbed and become a stepping
stone to learning more about the space above us.
The digital illustrations are also a treat as we see the space gear
that Bear and Panda wear and use, all easily made from recycled
material available in the home or classroom, encouraging readers to
emulate Bear and Panda in their endeavours.
Each page is illuminated with images of space: stars, galaxies,
constellations, satellites, rockets, the sun and many many books
with titles that will bring smiles of recognition to the reader. A
quiet humour instills the story and is replicated in the
illustrations, as Bear and Panda find each other in space, sharing
the same passion.
The bullying by the other bears is undermined when they see his
success, and begin to show interest themselves. Activities are
available in the Story
Time Kit. Deb and Marjorie introduce
Bear in space.
Themes: Space, Rockets, Space travel, Bullying, Friendship.
Fran Knight