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Bear
Don't Worry Bear
The star of Thank You Bear returns to make a new friend, as well as a wonderful discovery. When Caterpillar tells Bear that he is making a cocoon, Bear is worried. Will Caterpillar be safe? Will he be warm? Will he stay dry? Throughout the long winter, Caterpillar reassures him that all is fine. But the day comes when Caterpillar's cocoon is empty and Bear begins worrying all over again. Until a beautiful silk moth lands on his paw. "Don't worry, Bear," he says. "I'm right here." Incredibly touching in its simplicity, Don't Worry Bear reveals the very heart of friendship.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2008
4 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Greg Foley
16 books41 followersAward-winning author-illustrator Greg Foley grew up in Austin, Texas, and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. He now designs and creative-directs Visionaire, V Magazine, VMAN, VFiles and lives and works in Austin, TX and Greenwich Village, NY.
For more information visit https://www.gregfoley.co/
For more information visit https://www.gregfoley.co/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 6, 2011
Adorable!
This is the story of a caring bear, who worries about a caterpillar’s welfare. For kids who don’t know this creature’s particular life cycle, there’s a lovely surprise at the end.
This is a wonderful and reassuring tale for kids who worry, for teaching about nature, for teaching about empathy and friendship, and it’s both very sweet and educational.
By deliberately viewing the illustrations as I think I’d have done at ages 2 to 8, I was able to fully appreciate them, their simplicity.
It’s so appropriate that this book is dedicated to “For friends who are there.”
This is a really wonderful read aloud book, but it is also a fine beginning reader book as well.
If I’d rated for my own adult brain enjoyment, I’d have given it 4 stars, but thinking of it as a book for young children, I think it deserves the 5 star rating I’m assigning it.
I notice that this is not the first/only book about this bear, and I'm intrigued enough to want to read any others.
This is the story of a caring bear, who worries about a caterpillar’s welfare. For kids who don’t know this creature’s particular life cycle, there’s a lovely surprise at the end.
This is a wonderful and reassuring tale for kids who worry, for teaching about nature, for teaching about empathy and friendship, and it’s both very sweet and educational.
By deliberately viewing the illustrations as I think I’d have done at ages 2 to 8, I was able to fully appreciate them, their simplicity.
It’s so appropriate that this book is dedicated to “For friends who are there.”
This is a really wonderful read aloud book, but it is also a fine beginning reader book as well.
If I’d rated for my own adult brain enjoyment, I’d have given it 4 stars, but thinking of it as a book for young children, I think it deserves the 5 star rating I’m assigning it.
I notice that this is not the first/only book about this bear, and I'm intrigued enough to want to read any others.
May 20, 2011
I'm quite smitten with Bear and his sweet, thoughtful and caring nature. He is sensitive about a little caterpillar when it goes into its cocoon--the caterpillar says, "Don't worry, Bear!" and promises he will see him again. Bear watches out for the cocoon through storms and his worry continues even as other creatures remind him that he doesn't need to worry. But when Bear finds the cocoon open and empty on the ground, will it turn out he had a reason to be worried? Or will a passing butterfly have something to say about that? ;-) A heartwarming story of friendship and reassurance, I loved this little story!
June 25, 2011
Another wonderful "Bear" book!! I've also read "Thank You Bear" which I loved just as much!
Here, Bear's friend Caterpillar is going into the cocoon but Bear is worried about his friend. Caterpillar assures Bear that they'll see each other again, and not to worry.
But, Bear can't help being concerned for his friend, and his devotion and dedication to Caterpillar during the seasons is truly touching.
A wonderful story about friendship and worries. The Bear books - with their simple and sweet words and illustrations - are quickly becoming some of my favorite children's picture books.
Here, Bear's friend Caterpillar is going into the cocoon but Bear is worried about his friend. Caterpillar assures Bear that they'll see each other again, and not to worry.
But, Bear can't help being concerned for his friend, and his devotion and dedication to Caterpillar during the seasons is truly touching.
A wonderful story about friendship and worries. The Bear books - with their simple and sweet words and illustrations - are quickly becoming some of my favorite children's picture books.
January 11, 2021
SUCH AN ADORABLE BOOK. I loved it. The illustrations are so darn cute and the story is short and sweet.
December 13, 2013
Very sweet, but there really wasn't any explanation about the caterpillar turning into a butterfly. That left me with a lot of explaining to do to two confused little two-year-old girls.
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January 15, 2023Text-to-Text Connection:
The book "Don't Worry Bear" is about the beautiful relationship between a caterpillar and a bear. The book shows children the importance of being kind and caring towards each other. I also enjoyed while reading the book that it reflected an important message of friendship. I believe that having shown these qualities in the book can make children see life differently. Another book that I read before that I felt connected to this book was "If You Hold a Seed" by Elly Mackay. In the book, it showed the character having to be patient with the growth of the seed becoming more over time and that shows children that extraordinary gifts happen when they have patience in the process of life.
The book "Don't Worry Bear" is about the beautiful relationship between a caterpillar and a bear. The book shows children the importance of being kind and caring towards each other. I also enjoyed while reading the book that it reflected an important message of friendship. I believe that having shown these qualities in the book can make children see life differently. Another book that I read before that I felt connected to this book was "If You Hold a Seed" by Elly Mackay. In the book, it showed the character having to be patient with the growth of the seed becoming more over time and that shows children that extraordinary gifts happen when they have patience in the process of life.
December 17, 2016
Part of the Bear picture book series and revolving around a cuddly cub of a Bear.
In 2009, Don't Worry Bear was nominated for the Charlotte Zolotow Award for Highly Commended Title.
My Take
Don't Worry Bear is a story about a caterpillar going into his cocoon and explores the worry of one friend for another. It is so sweet as Bear goes out in all weathers, worrying about his friend.
I love the simple line drawings Foley uses with his brightly soft colors. The text is very readable for young children and to the point.
I do find it interesting that Foley chose to have Caterpillar turn into a silk moth. While I would have expected a butterfly, the moth does fit in with Foley's simpler approach.
I'm loving Foley's Bear stories. They're simple, cozy, and heartwarming as they provide short allegorical lessons for children in a non-threatening way.
The Story
Bear makes a new friend, but then loses him too quickly when Caterpillar tells Bear that he is making a cocoon.
It's a season of worry for Bear, as he wonders if Caterpillar will be safe? Will he be warm? Will he stay dry?
It's a long winter, all through which Caterpillar reassures him that all is fine. But the day comes when Caterpillar's cocoon is empty, and Bear begins worrying all over again.
The Characters
Bear is the primary character. Mouse is his best friend. Caterpillar is a new friend.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a soft gray background with a warm, cushy bear kicking back, relaxing, as he lies on his back, one leg crossed over the other, and one paw resting on his tummy. The title more than fills the upper left corner with its black wrought-iron-looking serif font with a green caterpillar reaching for Bear from the "y" of the Worry. The author's name is teeny and in the same black in the lower left corner.
The title is one friend's reassurance to another: Don't Worry Bear.
In 2009, Don't Worry Bear was nominated for the Charlotte Zolotow Award for Highly Commended Title.
My Take
Don't Worry Bear is a story about a caterpillar going into his cocoon and explores the worry of one friend for another. It is so sweet as Bear goes out in all weathers, worrying about his friend.
I love the simple line drawings Foley uses with his brightly soft colors. The text is very readable for young children and to the point.
I do find it interesting that Foley chose to have Caterpillar turn into a silk moth. While I would have expected a butterfly, the moth does fit in with Foley's simpler approach.
I'm loving Foley's Bear stories. They're simple, cozy, and heartwarming as they provide short allegorical lessons for children in a non-threatening way.
The Story
Bear makes a new friend, but then loses him too quickly when Caterpillar tells Bear that he is making a cocoon.
It's a season of worry for Bear, as he wonders if Caterpillar will be safe? Will he be warm? Will he stay dry?
It's a long winter, all through which Caterpillar reassures him that all is fine. But the day comes when Caterpillar's cocoon is empty, and Bear begins worrying all over again.
The Characters
Bear is the primary character. Mouse is his best friend. Caterpillar is a new friend.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a soft gray background with a warm, cushy bear kicking back, relaxing, as he lies on his back, one leg crossed over the other, and one paw resting on his tummy. The title more than fills the upper left corner with its black wrought-iron-looking serif font with a green caterpillar reaching for Bear from the "y" of the Worry. The author's name is teeny and in the same black in the lower left corner.
The title is one friend's reassurance to another: Don't Worry Bear.
March 25, 2015
The short children's book, Don't Worry Bear, written by Greg Foley, is a very comforting, cute story about a bear and a caterpillar. Bear is exploring one day and finds the caterpillar getting ready to nest in it's cacoon and turn into a butterfly. Bear doesn't quit understand this process and begins to worry about the caterpillar. He visits him everyday in the rain, sun, and snow. One day when he goes to visit the caterpillar is no longer there. He then see's a beautiful butterfly coming his way and discovers that it is his friend, the caterpillar.
This is not only a cute and comforting book for children, but it also is educational. It might bring up the same the question for the children reading as it does for the bear in the story. What is the caterpillar doing and how did he turn into a butterfly? This is a great opportunity to explain the course that caterpillars take to become beautiful butterflies. The colors throughout this book are all very warm and soothing such as purples, greys, and yellows. The bear is a very simple character but is shown to have facial expressions which give a sense of feeling to the reader. His mood as well as the mood of the story changes from page to page.
The text is very simple and always written on the same page. The caterpillar is only ever shown to be a small circular figure with little detail at all. The bear is drawn with very round and soft lines which help the child to feel comforatable with the bear rather than scared. This book is a great read for mostly younger children and is a great way to teach them about the life of a caterpillar.
This is not only a cute and comforting book for children, but it also is educational. It might bring up the same the question for the children reading as it does for the bear in the story. What is the caterpillar doing and how did he turn into a butterfly? This is a great opportunity to explain the course that caterpillars take to become beautiful butterflies. The colors throughout this book are all very warm and soothing such as purples, greys, and yellows. The bear is a very simple character but is shown to have facial expressions which give a sense of feeling to the reader. His mood as well as the mood of the story changes from page to page.
The text is very simple and always written on the same page. The caterpillar is only ever shown to be a small circular figure with little detail at all. The bear is drawn with very round and soft lines which help the child to feel comforatable with the bear rather than scared. This book is a great read for mostly younger children and is a great way to teach them about the life of a caterpillar.
October 17, 2009
This is a wonderful story of friendship between a caterpillar and a bear. The two are the best of friends until one late afternoon, little bear discovers the caterpillar hard at work spinning a cocoon. "What are you doing?" asked Bear. "I am making a cocoon," said Caterpillar. "I'll stay inside for a while. But I promise you will see me again." Bear worries about the caterpillar, and he comes back many times (in both rain and shine) to check to see how his friend is doing. Bear comes at night, on a windy day, on a rainy day, and even in the middle of a snowstorm. Each time, Caterpillar tells Bear not to worry, and at one point Caterpillar sleeps quietly in his cocoon. One day, Bear returns and discovers an empty cocoon lying on the ground. Where is Caterpillar? Has something terrible happened to him? Moments later, a beautiful silk moth flutters by, and Bear discovers it is his friend.
This delightful story is told by the animals. The predictable text follows the friendship of Bear and Caterpillar. This story has been nominated for the Children's Choice Award for 2009.
Children from preschool age to first grade will enjoy this captivating story.
This delightful story is told by the animals. The predictable text follows the friendship of Bear and Caterpillar. This story has been nominated for the Children's Choice Award for 2009.
Children from preschool age to first grade will enjoy this captivating story.
October 8, 2011
Summary
Though Caterpillar has told Bear not to worry about him as he builds himself a cocoon, Bear is uneasy. Especially as time goes on and Caterpillar has to deal with wind, cold, etc. He feels better when mouse tells him that Caterpillar is sleeping—but then.. Bear finds the cocoon empty! At the end of the story a beautiful silk moth lands on Bear’s paw, explaining that he’s the former caterpillar.
Review
This book is great for is simplistically. Every bit as charming as the first "bear" book, this one also features stark illustrations (only the few characters and tree branches against blank pale pastel backgrounds) and spare text. The Bear’s facial expressions and body language convey the message, making any lengthy clarification unnecessary.
In addition to being a comforting, uncomplicated tale about friendship or absence, this enjoyable story can also serve as an early introduction to metamorphosis and spark a discussion on human emotion.
If you like this book also try:
Thank you Bear,I Miss You Mouse, and Good Luck Bear By: Greg Foley; Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Jr Martin
Though Caterpillar has told Bear not to worry about him as he builds himself a cocoon, Bear is uneasy. Especially as time goes on and Caterpillar has to deal with wind, cold, etc. He feels better when mouse tells him that Caterpillar is sleeping—but then.. Bear finds the cocoon empty! At the end of the story a beautiful silk moth lands on Bear’s paw, explaining that he’s the former caterpillar.
Review
This book is great for is simplistically. Every bit as charming as the first "bear" book, this one also features stark illustrations (only the few characters and tree branches against blank pale pastel backgrounds) and spare text. The Bear’s facial expressions and body language convey the message, making any lengthy clarification unnecessary.
In addition to being a comforting, uncomplicated tale about friendship or absence, this enjoyable story can also serve as an early introduction to metamorphosis and spark a discussion on human emotion.
If you like this book also try:
Thank you Bear,I Miss You Mouse, and Good Luck Bear By: Greg Foley; Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Jr Martin
June 22, 2011
Don't Worry Bear features Bear's friendship with Caterpillar. Caterpillar, as caterpillars do, spins a cocoon. Bear checks up on his friend in the dark, in the rain, and in the wind. The caterpillar reassures Bear that he doesn't need to worry. The story has an obvious and sweet ending.
I don't love Bear. I think that the stories are very simple and that Bear is sort of lame. That being said, this is exactly why the books appeal to children -- the story is straight-forward and Bear is a kind, thoughtful young Bear. The Bear books are for young children and since I don't have children of my own and I don't work with young children, I sometimes have a hard time evaluating them. I guess three stars because I understand why the book works even if I don't care for it.
I think that this book may be a bit simple for all but kindergarten students and would be reluctant to purchase it for a school collection. (But I might be wrong about that.)
I don't love Bear. I think that the stories are very simple and that Bear is sort of lame. That being said, this is exactly why the books appeal to children -- the story is straight-forward and Bear is a kind, thoughtful young Bear. The Bear books are for young children and since I don't have children of my own and I don't work with young children, I sometimes have a hard time evaluating them. I guess three stars because I understand why the book works even if I don't care for it.
I think that this book may be a bit simple for all but kindergarten students and would be reluctant to purchase it for a school collection. (But I might be wrong about that.)
March 4, 2017
Come on, bear. Google it. Caterpillars and moths.
It's kind of sappy, but also kind of bland. A bear finds a caterpillar building a cocoon, and says "I'll see you later," and keeps coming by and checking on the progress of the cocoon. The caterpillar inside keeps up the conversation, reassuring the bear that his cocoon will withstand rain, wind, and snow. Eventually the bear comes by and sees that the cocoon has fallen and is empty and starts to worry again, but the moth comes by and says, "Hey, I'm here!"
It's using a very roundabout way to teach children that caterpillars turn into moths. It's cute that the bear keeps coming by to keep him company, but the caterpillar doesn't really seem to care, need company, or be thankful. It's kind of minimalist, but it could do with a little more character development, otherwise I don't really care about these characters.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
It's kind of sappy, but also kind of bland. A bear finds a caterpillar building a cocoon, and says "I'll see you later," and keeps coming by and checking on the progress of the cocoon. The caterpillar inside keeps up the conversation, reassuring the bear that his cocoon will withstand rain, wind, and snow. Eventually the bear comes by and sees that the cocoon has fallen and is empty and starts to worry again, but the moth comes by and says, "Hey, I'm here!"
It's using a very roundabout way to teach children that caterpillars turn into moths. It's cute that the bear keeps coming by to keep him company, but the caterpillar doesn't really seem to care, need company, or be thankful. It's kind of minimalist, but it could do with a little more character development, otherwise I don't really care about these characters.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
May 15, 2008
As a professional worrywort, I related to Bear's need to check up on his friend Caterpillar. Caterpillar reassures bear that he's cozy, warm and dry in his cocoon, despite dark, wind, rain and snow. But when Bear finds the cocoon empty one day, he begins to worry anew. Will he ever see his friend again?
The spare, sweet illustrations are just right. I read this at storytime today, and the children were transfixed. The one gripe I have, and it's a small one, is that the author chose to make caterpillar become a moth rather than a butterfly. While of course caterpillars become moths, the children kept insisting that "no, it's a butterfly". I just couldn't convince them otherwise.
The spare, sweet illustrations are just right. I read this at storytime today, and the children were transfixed. The one gripe I have, and it's a small one, is that the author chose to make caterpillar become a moth rather than a butterfly. While of course caterpillars become moths, the children kept insisting that "no, it's a butterfly". I just couldn't convince them otherwise.
January 31, 2016
The book "Don't Worry Bear" by Greg E. Foley was a sweet book. It was about a little bear who befriends a caterpillar. The caterpillar soon made a cocoon and the little bear was confused and worried. The bear would come by and check on the caterpillar constantly. In the end the caterpillar becomes a silk moth. "Don't Worry Bear" is a book about caring between friends.
I loved this book because it is a sweet book about friendship. The bear in this story is adorable! This book is simple, but has a gentle message.
I would use this book to teach about caring for other people. This book could be used in many different situations. It could be used for learning how to treat other people, learn how to be patient with friends, and many other things.
I loved this book because it is a sweet book about friendship. The bear in this story is adorable! This book is simple, but has a gentle message.
I would use this book to teach about caring for other people. This book could be used in many different situations. It could be used for learning how to treat other people, learn how to be patient with friends, and many other things.
March 28, 2011
Bear makes a new friend, Caterpillar, who is building himself a cacoon. Bear cannot help but worry: will he see his friend again? Will the wind sweep the cacoon away? Will Caterpillar make it through the winter? Seasons change, and finally Bear discovers an empty cacoon. He is saddened at the thought of losing his friend, until a beautiful moth reveals that everything is as it should be. Sparse page designs directs readers' attention to the expressions of worry on Bear's face. The repeating story element as Caterpillar reassures Bear that he'll see his friend again gently guides the young reader through the story as well as the difficult emotions of worry and loss.
September 16, 2015
Originally rated G+ by Lucy Thomas
Large print text simply describes a friendship between the main character, Bear, and his friend, Caterpillar. Bear’s caring ways are shown in his expressions and kind gestures and nicely presented in the illustrations. The book has reinforced binding. The 1st grade class of students to whom the story was read, enjoyed the story and liked how Bear was always concerned about Caterpillar. A nice discussion about friendship followed. This book could also be used with science related topics about seasons, or life cycle of a caterpillar/moth for early primary grades. A worthwhile addition for any elementary school library’s picture book collection.
Large print text simply describes a friendship between the main character, Bear, and his friend, Caterpillar. Bear’s caring ways are shown in his expressions and kind gestures and nicely presented in the illustrations. The book has reinforced binding. The 1st grade class of students to whom the story was read, enjoyed the story and liked how Bear was always concerned about Caterpillar. A nice discussion about friendship followed. This book could also be used with science related topics about seasons, or life cycle of a caterpillar/moth for early primary grades. A worthwhile addition for any elementary school library’s picture book collection.
September 20, 2016
Bear was worried about his friend caterpillar because one day he turned into a cocoon. Bear would come back to check on his caterpillar friend through different weather conditions and caterpillar would assure him he was fine. Until one day when bear found caterpillar's cocoon empty on the ground and was afraid he would never see his friend again. Then caterpillar which was now a moth told him he was right there. This would be a great way for kids to go learn the phases of a caterpillar to a butterfly or moth. Even to have one in real life in the classroom so the students can see how it actually happens in front of their own eyes.
November 21, 2014
A. This book is about a bear who met a caterpillar who as building a cocoon. The bear was worried about the caterpillar who is in the cocoon. He tried to take care of the caterpillar but the caterpillar kept telling the bear he was fine. One day the caterpillar wasn't there and the bear was really worried but a butterfly flew up and told the bear he was fine.
B. The major theme in this book is not to worry.
C. I would use this book to teach students about caterpillars transforming into a butterfly.
B. The major theme in this book is not to worry.
C. I would use this book to teach students about caterpillars transforming into a butterfly.
November 26, 2018
This book is about a little caterpillar that turns into a butterfly and his friend bear is worried about him while he is in his cocoon and it goes through how he turns into a butterfly and they stay friends.
This book was sooo cute!! I loved it. The love from the bear and how he worried about the caterpillar was so cute.
I would use this to teach science in my classroom, and use for friendship.
This book was sooo cute!! I loved it. The love from the bear and how he worried about the caterpillar was so cute.
I would use this to teach science in my classroom, and use for friendship.
September 12, 2017
Bear shows how worried he is about a friend throughout the story. Bear's friend ensure him that he will be fine over time. One day, bear discovers his friend missing but then his friend appears with a new appearance and bar is happy again. Story tells a moral of a friend that is always there. Book contains descriptive pictures to follow along.
December 7, 2017
The illustrations!! Bear is sooooo freakin' adorable! And he's a worrier too. I can relate, Bear, I can relate.
A simple and sweet story about caring for friends.
The story is indeed pretty simple, but for the age I've got in story time, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Would be a good book for a storytime on bears, bugs/butterflies, friends, worry, caring. Plenty of possibilities.
A simple and sweet story about caring for friends.
The story is indeed pretty simple, but for the age I've got in story time, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Would be a good book for a storytime on bears, bugs/butterflies, friends, worry, caring. Plenty of possibilities.
March 20, 2019
Bear worries about his friend caterpillar in his cocoon stage, which is very nice of him. But he doesn't need to worry because METAMORPHOSIS.
It's a nice book with gentle illustrations, but I'm not sure what it's trying to convey-- we can trust our friends to look after themselves? People generally know what they're doing?
It's a nice book with gentle illustrations, but I'm not sure what it's trying to convey-- we can trust our friends to look after themselves? People generally know what they're doing?
August 6, 2008
Super cute illustrations. Bear makes friends with a caterpillar just as he's making his cocoon. Bear worries about his friends, comes to check on him numerous time over the winter. Each time, caterpillar tells bear (from within his cocoon) that's he's okay. I bet you can guess the end.
December 16, 2008
Don't Worry Bear is lovely in its simplicity, both in illustrations and language. Adults will respond to the nuances of friendship between the bear and caterpillar. Children will love the sweet bear and the true love he has for his friend.
February 28, 2009
I am falling in love with these bear books. This will be fun in the spring when people start talking about butterflies. Such sweet stories. I think I like good luck bear slightly more but.... I can't wait to see what else bear will do. Ages 2+
March 19, 2009
A very simple story about bear and his friend the caterpillar. Bear worries over his friend in his cocoon everyday. Until, finally, a beautiful silk moth emerges to reassure bear that everything is ok.
April 22, 2009
A nice quiet story for storytimes. The pictures are so soothing as is the story of the little bear taking good care of his friend the caterpillar.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar would be a great book to read in the same storytime.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar would be a great book to read in the same storytime.
August 15, 2009
Bear is worried about caterpillar. In his snug cocoon, caterpillar is protected from the wind, snow, and rain, but bear still worries. One day bear finds caterpiller gone...but, a beautiful moth eases his fears.
Used for teddy bear sleepover 8/14/09
Used for teddy bear sleepover 8/14/09
April 6, 2011
This book goes over the stages of the caterpillar turning into a cacoon and then into a moth. I could use this book when teaching about these kind of things in science. Also, you can teach children that you don't have to worry too much about things because everything will be okay. Prek-k
April 16, 2011
This is such a cute book! Bear worries about his friend caterpillar when he goes into his cocoon. This would be great for kindergartners when talking about the life cycle of a butterfly. Although this book doesn't go into any detail, teachers can reference to this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews