Not This Bear: A First Day of School Story

This Bear #1

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Lorna Hussey (Illustrator)

The story of an adorable bear's first day of preschool, Alyssa Satin Capucilli's Not This Bear, featuring illustrations by Lorna Hussey.

It's Bear's first day of school, and he's a bit reluctant to go. Mama says all bears love school; Bear isn't so sure.

But school turns out to be full of fun―painting pictures, listening to stories, and making new friends.

Maybe this bear will like school after all.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Friendship, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2015

About the author

Alyssa Satin Capucilli was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1957. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College, and pursued her interest in dance, becoming a professional dancer and dance instructor. Though Capucilli had written stories, poems, and even puppet shows as a child, she didn't consider a career as a writer until after her own two children were born. To this day she sees herself as both a dancer and a writer, and the two professions complement each other nicely: dancing is, in her words, “telling stories in another way,” and readers of her children's books can attest to the rhythm of her language. Since 1994, she has written more than 15 books for children, and her work has been translated into French, Hebrew, Afrikaans, Greek, and Bulgarian.

Capucilli lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, with her husband and children. They have a chocolate Labrador retriever named Huckleberry, who likes to watch the author at work.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bear is reluctant to part with his mother on his first day at Bear School, indifferent to her claim that he will (like all little bears) enjoy it. "Not this bear," he insists. When his teacher, Mr. Bear, invites him to participate in various activities, assuring him that all the little bears like them, our ursine hero repeats his mantra, "Not this bear." But after an enjoyable day of story-time, snacks and play, when he is asked if he wants to leave, it turns out that once again the answer is "Not this bear."

Although it doesn't really cover any new ground, Not This Bear is a sweet little exploration of first-day-of-school jitters, offering plenty of reassurance to young children approaching this milestone in their lives. I appreciated the ending, in which our ursine hero stays in character ("Not this bear!") but also indicates his changed opinion of school. The artwork by Lorna Hussey, done in watercolor and graphite, is colorful and expressive. The little bear's expressions, from anxiety and sadness to gleeful enjoyment, are all deftly captured. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging new picture-books about going off to school for the first time.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many youngsters, Bear would rather stay home than go to school, and despite Mama's reassurances that he will enjoy it, he is certain that he won't. "Not this bear!" he keeps repeating. But the first day of school turns out not to be so bad after all, and Bear listens to a story, helps serve the snacks and drinks, and plays with another bear. Although Bear doesn't necessarily embrace everything that goes on at school, he finds his own way to enjoy himself. Still, he is glad to see Mama at the end of the day. Throughout the day, Bear slowly warms up to school and makes some new friends. I like the fact that his teacher Mr. Brown is a patient male, and I also liked the reassuring illustrations, created with watercolor, watercolor inks, and graphite. This is another one of those picture books ideal for dismissing the anxieties many youngsters have about the first day of school or the first day of a new experience. I'd read it right before that first day arrived and maybe again at the end of the year as a reminder that moving on to the next grade and a new teacher won't be so bad either.

[Clare Rossetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming tale of a little bear who is sure he will not like going to school and will miss his mom. His response to every activity is, "not this bear." As the day goes on he finds himself being part of the activities and finds that school is fun. At the close of the day he in fact does not want to leave but finds joy in sharing his day with his mom. Great ending. The illustrations are done using watercolors and give that warmth that is perfect for the text. While the topic is limited in scope I think it will be appealing to more then just the very young students going to school for the first time as it is also a tale of love between a mother and her child. I find even kids who are not new to school enjoy a story that reminds them of their first encounter and gives them a sense of just how far they have come.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had charming illustrations and a sweet story. It's sort of a typical first day of school book, but it was told in such a way that it didn't feel overly repetitive. Bear managed to find things to do that he enjoyed, even though he was nervous at first - and it made me remember the apple trick from my own school days!
(I also liked the aside of Bear playing with dolls. Boys can play with them, too!)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is precious and perfect to read on the first day of school. It's about a little bear who doesn't want to go to school because he really likes to be with Mama all day, but the teacher, Mr. Brown, helps the little bear adjust to school and the little bear ends up loving school. "Not this bear" is repeated throughout the story, but it's done really well where it doesn't come off as annoying. It's actually really sweet and adorable. The ending was perfect and honestly, this book is perfect. I have no complains about anything. The illustrations are also really cute and lovable. I really want to own this book to have in my future preschool classroom and to also read it on the first day of school!

I loved this book so much! Definitely one of my favorites now.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting school for the first time can be scary, and young children getting ready go will definitely appreciate Bear's reluctance to go by himself without his mom. This book will help young readers see what kinds of activities Bear learns to enjoy and might even have them looking forward to their own first day of school. This would be terrific to share with soon-to-be preschoolers or kindergarteners before they head off to school.

[FM Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, but one of those books where I couldn't tell if it would have the effect of making a kid feel like it's ok to be shy and helping them feel more comfortable, or just give them language for another way to say they didn't want to do something. But I think probably these stories are helpful!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work at a library attached to a pubic school. This definitely shows the fears that the little ones are experiencing coming in to school.
It is a book about being comfortable and trust.
A great book for those heading to school for the first time

[April Yamasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story for kids about to start school

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute story about first day of school jitters.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

First day of school. Bear is scared. But after painting and playing and making friends, he decides school is fun. He goes home and tells his mom all about it.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute story that will help kids who are anxious about going to school, and the illustrations are terrific.

[Ice 9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://letterstocassiandotherfolks.bl...

[Viviane Elbee]

Cute first day of school story, starring a little bear who has always spent his days with mommy.

[Patty Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really sweet picture book covering anxiety about starting school. It’s written in a comforting repetitive format with beautiful pictures.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a little bear who's scared to go to school. His teacher is very patient and "this bear" learns that new can be exciting and fun., too. A nice group read aloud.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear is not excited to start school. He doesn't want to hang up his coat or sit on a mat, but as he starts participating, he starts to like school. He even makes a friend. A very sweet story.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bear doesn't want to go to school. He likes being with his mama and doing things with her. At school, his teacher helps him try new things and is patient as he slowly eases into a day without mama there beside him. By the end of the day, he's come to enjoy school. Kindergartners and parents will both relate to Bear's feelings. "Not This Bear" is a good resource to help a new student overcome the nervousness that comes with starting school...and it may just help the mama too. ;-)

[Alyssa]

Bear started his school adventure. He was not very happy about it. The teacher would tell him how much the other bears would enjoy something, and he would reply with "not this bear." This continued until he met a friend who also didn't enjoy the other things the other bears liked. They drew a rainbow together, and when told it was time to leave, they both said "not this bear". The bear went home and told his mom all about his first day of school.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute and entertaining book about starting school and the exciting things that children experience there. The narrative is short and the illustrations are cartoonish and colorful. I listened to one of the moms in my local book club read this book aloud to her daughter during our latest meeting and we both thought it was a fun tale.

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Cute! Bear is reluctant to leave Mama to attend his first day of school. With his mother's gentle coaxing, as well as a patient teacher, Bear learns that making friends and learning new things isn't so bad after all. I loved the art!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is just super cute! It made me smile all the time.... I recalled the first time when I went to kindergarten and elementary school, ahahah, the bear is just so silly and cute! and the rabbit... ohohoh!

[Romelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and endearing story about the first day of school jitters. Nice repeat of "Not this Bear." Bear is hesitant to do many things in school, but slowly eases into the routine his way. This story is authentic to first day experiences and the emotions that accompany it. Very well told.

[Rachel Rooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little bear is nervous about starting school. He knows he is not going to like it. But then he does!

An overly sweet book that is sweetly illustrated. I prefer The Kissing Hand, but this is shorter and simpler and better for younger kids.

[Christine Turner]

It's Bear's first day of school, and he's a bit reluctant to go. Mama says all bears love school; Bear isn't so sure. But school turns out to be full of fun--painting pictures, listening to stories, and making new friends. Maybe this bear will like school after all.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Bear's first day of school, and he's not sure if he is ready to leave the comfort of his mother's care. However, once he participates in the many fun activities that are offered he rapidly changes his outlook about school.

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Ali:
***

From Dot:
***

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anxious at first, Bear has a wonderful first day of school.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet, but not particularly memorable.

[ReadingWench · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book