THE BEAR WHO WANTED TO BE A BEAR

By Jörg Steiner and Jörg Steiner

Book Overview

Highlighting issues of environmental protection, human identity, and the pursuit of self, this remarkable modern fable brings philosophical subjects to the forefront through humor and imagination.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689500793
• ISBN13: 9780689500794
• Release Date: August 1986
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
• Length: 34 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Age Range: 5 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

Long Time Favorite

I read most of the reviews of this "classic" children's book. My parents read this book to me when I was a kid in the mid-to-late 1940's. I bought an edition for our son in the 1980's. I am now trying to buy two more copies for my grand-nephews. Forget the the politics & philosophy. This is purely a treat to read and to have!

A lesson for all

This is a great book. It is loosly based on "The Bear Who Wasn't" which is widely available in paperback. It is lovingly illustrated and talks about being "real" even when the world won't allow it.I had never seen it before I was in therapy, which is where I was introduced to it. By the time I could afford to get a copy, it was out of print, and considering the prices on places like Barnes and Noble. com, people really don't want to part with their copes

No one at the new factory believes the bear is a bear

The previous reviewer has gotten a few details of the story wrong - who wouldn't, remembering a childhood favorite. In this picture book translation from German, a bear wakes up from his winter's nap to find his forest has been razed. He meets a man from the newly built factory, who puts him to work there. By winter, he realizes where he really belongs. Although originally published in 1976, the book's design gives it a very contemporary look; sort of an Anthony Browne meets Chris Van Allsburg, with dark, detailed art and text boxes. Hey, you publishers out there - get this book back in print! Patti McLaughlin, Children's Librarian, The Free Library of Philadelphia

This book is my favorite book ever!

I have been unable to locate "The Bear Who Wanted To Be A Bear" anywhere! The last time I read this story was about 20 years ago. My family and I still talk about it fondly and with many happy memories. The book is about a bear who is lost and confused and not sure what his calling in life is. He tries to find himself by taking on a variety of jobs such as joining a circus, working in a factory...Eventually, he listens to his heart and realizes who he is and what he needs and wants to do. The illustrations for this book have a very playful and animated 70's style. One particular page I remember quite vividly as do my siblings is where the bear takes a job in a factory. The illustration displays the inside of a factory filled with a twisted maze of foreign equipment made of pipes, wires and gadgets. My brother, sister and I would take turns making the sound effects for each piece of equipment and imagining how the machines operated. Sometimes I wonder if the books I loved as a child were great because of the actual story or because of the wonderful memories I have with my family reading them to me. Either way, this book is sure to do the same for others.