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Bear
Thank You Bear
Early one morning, a little bear found a little box. He looked inside. Then he exclaimed, “Why, it’s the greatest thing ever! Mouse will love this.” Bear’s friends aren’t so sure of his newfound treasure, however. “That’s not so great,” says Monkey. “I’ve seen those before,” says Owl. And by the time Bear finds Mouse, his own doubts have grown. But Mouse has the last say when he looks inside the little box. “It is the greatest thing ever,” he tells his friend. “Thank you, Bear.” Part mystery, part fable, this deceptively simple story of true friendship is perfect for the very youngest reader. It is sure to tug at your heart.
Good Luck Bear is the 2008 winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award.
Good Luck Bear is the 2008 winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2007
418 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/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 11, 2011
I recently read Don't Worry Bear and saw that this book was the first published bear book, and I definitely wanted to read it; I’m so glad I did, and I’ll probably read any other “Bear” books by this author-illustrator.
This is a gentle and sweet story with very young child friendly illustrations. I loved it. The pictures are so simple and so good; they perfectly fit the story.
Bear is wonderful, as is mouse. This is a lovely friendship story and also a terrific story about imagination. Kids also love empty boxes so I think most young kids will agree with the opinion of bear and mouse.
These bear books are perfect for the very young and can also be enjoyed by readers of all ages. This story is fun to read aloud and appropriate for independent beginning readers too.
This is a gentle and sweet story with very young child friendly illustrations. I loved it. The pictures are so simple and so good; they perfectly fit the story.
Bear is wonderful, as is mouse. This is a lovely friendship story and also a terrific story about imagination. Kids also love empty boxes so I think most young kids will agree with the opinion of bear and mouse.
These bear books are perfect for the very young and can also be enjoyed by readers of all ages. This story is fun to read aloud and appropriate for independent beginning readers too.
October 7, 2017
I only have two words for this children’s fable about a bear, his box and his friends: Trust me.
June 25, 2011
Everything from the simple and sweet story to the simple and sweet illustrations captivated me from the beginning and warmed my heart! I love words and illustrations that can use so little and yet convey so much!
Bear wants to give Mouse an empty box, (he thinks it will be the perfect present for Mouse. So happy to have found such a wonderful gift, Bear shares his idea with other animals, but they don't seem to think it's such a great gift. And, after a while, Bear begins to wonder if maybe he was wrong.
A great story in believing in yourself, seeing the specialness in the simple things, and the wonderfulness of friendship, I highly recommend this book!
I've also read "Don't Worry Bear" which was just as fantastic!
Bear wants to give Mouse an empty box, (he thinks it will be the perfect present for Mouse. So happy to have found such a wonderful gift, Bear shares his idea with other animals, but they don't seem to think it's such a great gift. And, after a while, Bear begins to wonder if maybe he was wrong.
A great story in believing in yourself, seeing the specialness in the simple things, and the wonderfulness of friendship, I highly recommend this book!
I've also read "Don't Worry Bear" which was just as fantastic!
June 27, 2011
Another winner from Greg Foley, this time about generosity and thoughtfulness regarding ones friend and knowing what they really like/need, vs. listening to others trying to shape your view.
October 17, 2008
Foley, Greg. "Thank you Bear," Viking, 2007, unnumbered pages. Beginning reader.
Description: Bear has something in a box that he wants to give to Mouse. Other animals are not impressed. Later we find out that the box is empty, and Mouse thinks it's perfect for crawling up inside.
Review: This picture book/easy reader uses large text, a simple, yet expressive story line and animal characters to teach reading skills to first and second graders. The text itself is large enough for untrained eye muscles, and there is enough white space so that young children won't be overwhelmed. Each page contains approximately 10-15 words of text, mostly consisting of familiar one and two syllable words. Longer, more complex words, such as "elephant" and "squirrel" can be deduced from the bright pictures that accompany the text.
Although the story is simple and repetitive, an element of suspense is carried through until the end, making children want to keep reading in order to find out what's in the box. Unlike many books for children, Thank You, Bear features a multi-dimensional protagonist. Bear is both sensitive and excited, without being overwhelming or annoying. Some children will no doubt identify with this character.
Professional Reviews:
Phelan, Carol, Booklist, April 15, 2007.
Phelan praises the spare story and non-glitzy illustrations. She believes very young children are the ideal audience for this book. I agree with her assessment, although I see this book as an ideal early reader, as well.
Schaff, Kara, School Library Journal, March 2007.
Schaff focuses on the sweet and trusting relationship between Bear and Mouse. I agree that their friendship is very sweet and meaningful to children. Schaff, like Phelan, did not mention this book's appeal as an early reader.
Description: Bear has something in a box that he wants to give to Mouse. Other animals are not impressed. Later we find out that the box is empty, and Mouse thinks it's perfect for crawling up inside.
Review: This picture book/easy reader uses large text, a simple, yet expressive story line and animal characters to teach reading skills to first and second graders. The text itself is large enough for untrained eye muscles, and there is enough white space so that young children won't be overwhelmed. Each page contains approximately 10-15 words of text, mostly consisting of familiar one and two syllable words. Longer, more complex words, such as "elephant" and "squirrel" can be deduced from the bright pictures that accompany the text.
Although the story is simple and repetitive, an element of suspense is carried through until the end, making children want to keep reading in order to find out what's in the box. Unlike many books for children, Thank You, Bear features a multi-dimensional protagonist. Bear is both sensitive and excited, without being overwhelming or annoying. Some children will no doubt identify with this character.
Professional Reviews:
Phelan, Carol, Booklist, April 15, 2007.
Phelan praises the spare story and non-glitzy illustrations. She believes very young children are the ideal audience for this book. I agree with her assessment, although I see this book as an ideal early reader, as well.
Schaff, Kara, School Library Journal, March 2007.
Schaff focuses on the sweet and trusting relationship between Bear and Mouse. I agree that their friendship is very sweet and meaningful to children. Schaff, like Phelan, did not mention this book's appeal as an early reader.
December 10, 2016
Part of the Bear picture book series and revolving around a cuddly cub of a Bear.
In 2011, Thank You Bear was nominated for the Goldfinch Award (Iowa PreK-3rd Grade), and in 2008, it won the Charlotte Zolotow Award.
My Take
The spontaneous line drawings are simple with a splash of color that doesn't fill the whole shape, yay! I enjoyed the contrast between the warm white pages with the illustrations opposite the colored pages with the text.
It's a simple story of mystery as Bear gets excited about this box that he's sure his friend will love. It's a tale of disappointment and worry as Bear's friends aren't excited, and a great opportunity to talk to the kids about how important it is to have faith in oneself. To trust your instincts.
The Story
Early one morning, a little bear found a little box. He looked inside. Then he exclaimed, "Why, it's the greatest thing ever! Mouse will love this."
And then the doubts arise as his friends check out his treasure…
The Characters
Bear is a cuddly cub. Mouse is his best friend.
Monkey, Owl, Fox, Elephant, Squirrel, and Bunny are the animals Bear encounters along the way.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a soft deep cream background with the cutest, line-drawn bear in a warm caramel with that same cream for a tummy. He has the sweetest little face, and he's dragging a double-branched stick behind him. The title fills the cover in a rounded serif font in a deep speckled brown. The author's name is teeny in the lower left corner.
The title is the reward Mouse pays with a Thank You Bear.
April 22, 2008
Remember when you were little and you'd find something you thought was really, really neat-o, but when you showed it to other people, they weren't impressed? That's what Bear is going through in this completely adorable picture book. No one Bear meets on his way to show Mouse the little box he's found seems to think his treasure is worthy of noticing, even though he thinks "it's the greatest thing ever!" Oh, but Mouse recognizes its value, and that's what counts to Bear. A picture book gorgeous in its simplicity and sentiment, this is a precious story for one-on-one sharing.
July 25, 2019
Bear found an empty little box and decided it was the perfect thing to give to Mouse. Each friend he met along the way found something wrong with it so that Bear wondered if it was so great for Mouse after all. This is a sweet story that encourages the reader to trust his own ideas. Sweetly illustrated. Great ending.
September 26, 2017
This was such a sweet, cute book about love, judgment, doubt, and ultimately, acceptance (and full circle to love). The artwork is sweet with the soft strokes that I felt like I could just give that bear a big hug. And that mouse was adorable too. :)
June 4, 2012
So cute! And the last page is so heart warming.
February 26, 2017
Cute, good story about not letting others destroy your spirit of generosity.
December 18, 2020
Will use for a "thank you" themed storytime! Bear has a gift for his friend Mouse, everyone he runs into tries to convince him it's not actually very good, but Mouse affirms that it's the perfect present. Great, simple little story with a cute twist and a good rhythm.
September 23, 2016
Mmmeh.
October 8, 2011
Summary
Bear is more than pleased to find a small, empty, brown box. Bear raises his arms in triumph at his find and calls the box "the greatest thing ever!" Believing that it would make an excellent gift for his friend, bear decides to take the box to Mouse. Along the way, he meets Monkey, Owl, Fox, Elephant, Squirrel, and Rabbit, but no one really appreciates his find.
Bear begins to doubt his the value of the box By the time mouse comes around Bear doesn't like the box much at all. After listening to Bear and exploring the box inside and out, Mouse pronounces it "the greatest thing ever!" and curls up inside it for a nap. Bear is very pleased again.
Review
Designed in such a simple manner, the book can be enjoyed by very young children. Yet the story can still be applicable to older children as they speak about what its like when others don't value the things they treasure.
This book the readability in this books is remarkable. This this is the authors first picture book. It couldn't have been easy to keep the sentences to minimal and the vocabulary so basic.
Also Try:
"I miss you mouse", "Don't Worry Bear" and "Willoughby & the Lion" by Greg Foley; Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" By: Mo Wille
Bear is more than pleased to find a small, empty, brown box. Bear raises his arms in triumph at his find and calls the box "the greatest thing ever!" Believing that it would make an excellent gift for his friend, bear decides to take the box to Mouse. Along the way, he meets Monkey, Owl, Fox, Elephant, Squirrel, and Rabbit, but no one really appreciates his find.
Bear begins to doubt his the value of the box By the time mouse comes around Bear doesn't like the box much at all. After listening to Bear and exploring the box inside and out, Mouse pronounces it "the greatest thing ever!" and curls up inside it for a nap. Bear is very pleased again.
Review
Designed in such a simple manner, the book can be enjoyed by very young children. Yet the story can still be applicable to older children as they speak about what its like when others don't value the things they treasure.
This book the readability in this books is remarkable. This this is the authors first picture book. It couldn't have been easy to keep the sentences to minimal and the vocabulary so basic.
Also Try:
"I miss you mouse", "Don't Worry Bear" and "Willoughby & the Lion" by Greg Foley; Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" By: Mo Wille
April 12, 2014
This a story of how a bear went around with a box he thought would be helpful to someone. He met with many who did not find any importance in having that box. The bear did not give up. He wanted to help some one. He sees the box as being important and helpful in some way and would not discard as the owl, squirrel, fox and elephant ignored it. He finally meets with a mouse who admired it and used it as a shelter and home to the satisfaction of the bear.
As the author rightly puts it,"sometimes a box is just a box. Sometimes it is much more and that's what the bear thinks. But not everyone agrees; and when the bear finds the mouse who sees the box differently he is delighted. Sometimes finding a friend who sees things as you do is the greatest gift of all.
The lesson in this book will be helpful for children to be learn to be kind and friendly. I will use it to teach and encourage pro social behavior. I will remind my students of the story when they act kindly, especially when I catch any of them handing out something a classmate would appreciate.
As the author rightly puts it,"sometimes a box is just a box. Sometimes it is much more and that's what the bear thinks. But not everyone agrees; and when the bear finds the mouse who sees the box differently he is delighted. Sometimes finding a friend who sees things as you do is the greatest gift of all.
The lesson in this book will be helpful for children to be learn to be kind and friendly. I will use it to teach and encourage pro social behavior. I will remind my students of the story when they act kindly, especially when I catch any of them handing out something a classmate would appreciate.
December 12, 2014
Foley, G., E. (2007) Thank you bear. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Thank You Bear is a wonderful children’s picture book about a bear that finds a box, which he cannot wait to share with his best friend mouse. On his way to show mouse, he stumbles upon other animals such as a monkey, owl, fox, elephant and a bunny who criticize Bear’s gift as being too small, too ordinary or even a better gift for someone else. For this reason Bear begins to question whether or not his gift is even worth giving to his best friend, until mouse finds a use for it and thanks Bear for the box he has received. This book is recommended for early beginning readers because it provides simple short bold words with colorful illustrations that children will love. Thank You Bear explores the themes of friendship and gratitude. I could incorporate this book into my classroom by having students develop a feel for reading as they each take turns reading the book in groups.
Thank You Bear is a wonderful children’s picture book about a bear that finds a box, which he cannot wait to share with his best friend mouse. On his way to show mouse, he stumbles upon other animals such as a monkey, owl, fox, elephant and a bunny who criticize Bear’s gift as being too small, too ordinary or even a better gift for someone else. For this reason Bear begins to question whether or not his gift is even worth giving to his best friend, until mouse finds a use for it and thanks Bear for the box he has received. This book is recommended for early beginning readers because it provides simple short bold words with colorful illustrations that children will love. Thank You Bear explores the themes of friendship and gratitude. I could incorporate this book into my classroom by having students develop a feel for reading as they each take turns reading the book in groups.
August 22, 2017
We know our friends, and we know what will make them happy. But when Bear finds a surprise and sets off to give it to his good friend Mouse, an entire menagerie's worth of animals come to tell him how unimpressive the gift is. Brought down by all the ridicule, Bear only just manages to force himself to give Mouse the gift...and finds he was right! It's just what his friend wants!
Quick and cute. Suitable for fairly young kids to have this read to them. The simple text and obvious animals would also help with context clues for newer readers, once they're got the basics of pronunciation down.
This might also be a good starting point for a conversation about giving to others. It can be kind of hard to convince a little one about what a good idea it is to buy a toy and not keep it for yourself, so this could help.
Quick and cute. Suitable for fairly young kids to have this read to them. The simple text and obvious animals would also help with context clues for newer readers, once they're got the basics of pronunciation down.
This might also be a good starting point for a conversation about giving to others. It can be kind of hard to convince a little one about what a good idea it is to buy a toy and not keep it for yourself, so this could help.
September 5, 2021
Awwwww.
This is so cute!!!!!!
Not only is it cute, it's so apt! It's so true! Completely universal.
Bear finds a box and he immediately thinks of someone who would like the box, so he selflessly picks it up and shows it off to all of his friends, but his friends denigrate the box and bear starts to wonder if the person he got it for will like it after all.
This is so true. This happens all the time. Why do we do this to each other? Shouldn't we just rejoice in the fact that a person is thinking about another person? That someone is doing something kind for someone else? We have to put them down because it doesn't seem to us as though the thing they are doing is 'good enough'?
Great little book.
Story: Narrative-Fable
Art: Delicate
Price: $6.99
This is another where I would say "Buy It!"
This is so cute!!!!!!
Not only is it cute, it's so apt! It's so true! Completely universal.
Bear finds a box and he immediately thinks of someone who would like the box, so he selflessly picks it up and shows it off to all of his friends, but his friends denigrate the box and bear starts to wonder if the person he got it for will like it after all.
This is so true. This happens all the time. Why do we do this to each other? Shouldn't we just rejoice in the fact that a person is thinking about another person? That someone is doing something kind for someone else? We have to put them down because it doesn't seem to us as though the thing they are doing is 'good enough'?
Great little book.
Story: Narrative-Fable
Art: Delicate
Price: $6.99
This is another where I would say "Buy It!"
March 8, 2015
Picturebook
Charlotte Zolotow Adward (2008)
Goldfinch Award (Iowa PreKindergarten-3rd grade) Nominee (2011)
Summary:
This little bear was being thoughtful of his friend the mouse. In an attempt to get the box to the mouse he ran across the owl, squirrel, fox, and elephant who were not very impressed by the box. However, the bear continued his journey until he found the mouse. The mouse was delighted and the bear was pleased. The bear's thoughtfulness was appreciated. Th bear did not listen to his friends and would not be deterred. Friends can be good but you have to have your own mind. The pictures were simple and precise. the words are short and a child may feel comfortable in trying to read the book.
Charlotte Zolotow Adward (2008)
Goldfinch Award (Iowa PreKindergarten-3rd grade) Nominee (2011)
Summary:
This little bear was being thoughtful of his friend the mouse. In an attempt to get the box to the mouse he ran across the owl, squirrel, fox, and elephant who were not very impressed by the box. However, the bear continued his journey until he found the mouse. The mouse was delighted and the bear was pleased. The bear's thoughtfulness was appreciated. Th bear did not listen to his friends and would not be deterred. Friends can be good but you have to have your own mind. The pictures were simple and precise. the words are short and a child may feel comfortable in trying to read the book.
April 3, 2008
Thank You Bear is a simple story about the value of everyday things. Bear finds an empty box and thinks that Mouse would really like it. On the way to find Mouse, Bear meets Elephant, Fox, Owl and many other characters who say that the box is nothing special. Bear begins to doubt whether the box is so great after all. Then Mouse finds him and declares, "This is the best thing ever! Thank you, Bear. ''
The illustrations are simple and beautiful The colorful characters have evocatively expressive details which come alive in the minimalist presentation.
Recommended for grades preschool to kindergarten.
The illustrations are simple and beautiful The colorful characters have evocatively expressive details which come alive in the minimalist presentation.
Recommended for grades preschool to kindergarten.
March 29, 2010
3/18/10 As cute as the concept is for this book, it's a hard one to read to get the children involved. I suppose I could have had them guess the animals on each page, but I had done that with the previous book and I think they would have tired of it. The simplicity of the pictures caught their attention, though.
3/25/10 Again, the pictures caught the attention of the downtown groups, but the story itself was kind of "eh." I did start having the kids point out things like the squirrel's tail and such, and they were slightly more involved. I guess it's hard to express enjoyment of cute simplicity--unless you're writing the review!
3/25/10 Again, the pictures caught the attention of the downtown groups, but the story itself was kind of "eh." I did start having the kids point out things like the squirrel's tail and such, and they were slightly more involved. I guess it's hard to express enjoyment of cute simplicity--unless you're writing the review!
January 17, 2008
A very sweet book! Bear's generosity is not appreciated by the other animals - but that is because they each have a unique perspective of the box Bear wants to give to Mouse.
The pages with text are color coordinated to match the corresponding animal that bear is talking with, which was such a subtle relationship that I didn't even notice it on my first few readings.
A wonderful book for demonstrating sharing, generostiy and to a certain degree diversity (in the sense that each animal views the box differently).
The pages with text are color coordinated to match the corresponding animal that bear is talking with, which was such a subtle relationship that I didn't even notice it on my first few readings.
A wonderful book for demonstrating sharing, generostiy and to a certain degree diversity (in the sense that each animal views the box differently).
March 1, 2008
Simple text -- perfect for lap reading or group storytime -- that adroitly captures the way young kids' interests are sometimes marginalized by adults ("'You're not holding it the right way,' said Fox," "'I'm too busy to look right now,' said Rabbit.") but which are ultimately validated by someone person whose opinion matters. Bonus: toddlers LUUURVE naming the animals out loud, and cheering for Bear at the end. "It's the greatest thing ever!"
Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award for picture book writing.
Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award for picture book writing.
October 5, 2012
From the book: "Sometimes a box is just a box. Sometimes it is much much more. That is what Bear thinks. But not everyone agrees. Until Bear finds someone who sees it differently. Sometimes finding a friend who sees things as you do is the greatest gift of all."
I really like this book. The story is simple, yet interesting for a little one. The illustrations are simple and adorable. This is a good book for reading together and for discussion about friendship, gift-giving, and doing what is important even thought others are negative. Good choice for 2-5 year-olds and beginning readers.
I really like this book. The story is simple, yet interesting for a little one. The illustrations are simple and adorable. This is a good book for reading together and for discussion about friendship, gift-giving, and doing what is important even thought others are negative. Good choice for 2-5 year-olds and beginning readers.
January 31, 2013
Thank you bear is about a bear that finds a small box and decides it’s the perfect gift for his friend mouse. On Bears way to find his friend Mouse, he runs into some other friends and shows them the box. None of his other friends think the box is that great and Bear starts to get sad thinking that the box really isn’t that great of a gift. Then Mouse finds Bear sitting on the ground with the box and tells Bear that the box is the greatest gift. This book gives a story on true friendship and shows that having a friend who sees things the same way you do can be the best gift of all.
March 5, 2014
I think this probably one of the most sweetest and cutest book that I have ever read so far. It really shows compassion and love. The illustration is adorable and easy to follow. The reading is also easy to read too. Its starts out with a bear thinking of giving a box to his friend mouse. He asks other animals for their suggestion, but ultimately it was up to mouse if he liked the box or not. A really wonderful read, I enjoy it and just absolutely adore it. I would recommend this book to children or anyone.
September 1, 2015
This is a very simple book. The illustrations are pretty plain, but they get the point across. I would read this story to younger elementary grades, such a kindergarten or first grade. I think this would be good to teach children that even the smallest thing can be helpful to someone. None of the animals cared much about the box until the mouse came along. It turned out that the box was the perfect size for the little mouse. This would also be a good way to teach children about appreciating the small things in life.
April 25, 2016
Little Bear is out for a walk when he comes across a small box, he picks it up, sure that his friend will be delighted with the box. As bear continues walking along, he encounters other animals and shows them his box, but unlike bear, the other animals are not impressed, and soon have bear wondering if he made a mistake. It is not until mouse comes along, and bear shares the box with him, that bear realizes that he did not make a mistake...mouse loves his new box! An adorable, simple story about having faith in oneself, thoughtfulness and a true friend's gratitude.
November 29, 2017
This is a total sweetie of a book! I've BEEN Bear! You get this great gift for someone and other people look at you like you're nuts. But you KNOW it's perfect for them. But then you get all nervous that maybe the recipient won't like it. You think you must be wrong. But then you realize you can't think of anything better so you give it anyway and THEY LOVE IT! Told you so! Okay. So that was my experience, but it was also Bear's. Although he was a little more gracious about it. So, yeah, it's a cute story, and very easy to use as a short read-aloud.
January 25, 2010
Bear finds something he thinks is wonderful, until he faces the criticism of others, then he is not so sure. All is well when his good friend mouse thinks it is absolutely perfect. This was simple and repetitive enough that my 2 year old enjoyed it and yet my 4 year old could relate to the themes as well. I read it as many times as possible before we had to return it to the library as I know I will refer back to the story when my son faces discouragement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews