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Pup and Bear
This deeply emotional read-aloud about a lost wolf pup who is raised by a loving polar bear is sure to resonate with families - particularly non-traditional ones.
You are not my mother, said the wolf pup.
I am not your mother, said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe.
Here is a picture book that celebrates differences and promotes kindness, sure to resonate with the many fans of the beloved classic, Mama Do You Love Me? During the ice melt that follows an Arctic winter, a wolf cub finds himself spinning out to sea on a sheet of ice. He awakes lost and alone to an unfamiliar smell: a polar bear. And while the polar bear is not the wolf's mother, she takes him on her back to her den, where she feeds him, keeps him warm, and does everything a mother would do. Time passes, the cub grows into a wolf, and soon it's time for him to venture out into the wide world alone. Years later, the now grown wolf comes upon a tiny lost polar bear cub--and the cycle begins again. With poetic prose this beautiful picture book about the love and kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with parents and children who have found each other in unexpected ways.
You are not my mother, said the wolf pup.
I am not your mother, said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe.
Here is a picture book that celebrates differences and promotes kindness, sure to resonate with the many fans of the beloved classic, Mama Do You Love Me? During the ice melt that follows an Arctic winter, a wolf cub finds himself spinning out to sea on a sheet of ice. He awakes lost and alone to an unfamiliar smell: a polar bear. And while the polar bear is not the wolf's mother, she takes him on her back to her den, where she feeds him, keeps him warm, and does everything a mother would do. Time passes, the cub grows into a wolf, and soon it's time for him to venture out into the wide world alone. Years later, the now grown wolf comes upon a tiny lost polar bear cub--and the cycle begins again. With poetic prose this beautiful picture book about the love and kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with parents and children who have found each other in unexpected ways.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
9 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Kate Banks
89 books50 followersKate Banks has written many books for children, among them Max’s Words, And If the Moon Could Talk, winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and The Night Worker, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She grew up in Maine, where she and her two sisters and brother spent a lot of time outdoors, and where Banks developed an early love of reading. “I especially liked picture books,” she says, “and the way in which words and illustrations could create a whole new world in which sometimes real and other times magical and unexpected things could happen.” Banks attended Wellesley College and received her masters in history at Columbia University. She lived in Rome for eight years but now lives in the South of France with her husband and two sons, Peter Anton and Maximilian.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/katebanks
http://us.macmillan.com/author/katebanks
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
October 24, 2017
Don't mind me, I'm just crying at work.
This beautiful story about a polar bear that raises a wolf pup is an
excellent read-a-loud for adopted, foster,
and step-families.
This beautiful story about a polar bear that raises a wolf pup is an
excellent read-a-loud for adopted, foster,
and step-families.
November 23, 2021
A lost wolf pup finds a friend and caretaker in a polar bear.
Sweet story, with lovely illustrations by Naoko Stoop.
Sweet story, with lovely illustrations by Naoko Stoop.
February 14, 2020
A sort of sweet story about a polar bear adopting a wolf pup becomes a snooze as it turns into a parade of other wild animals and a hoary fable about the "wheel of life." Yawn.
Read
February 4, 2018Gentle and sweet, with charming illustrations by Naoko Stoop on her signature plywood backgrounds.
March 25, 2019
I’m not crying, you’re crying! This is beautiful, and I don’t even care that the polar bear totally would have eaten the wolf cub in reality. THIS ONE WOULDN’T BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST MAMA POLAR BEAR WITH A BABY WOLF AND DON’T TRY TO TELL ME DIFFERENTLY. This is the sweetest and the ending was perfection.
October 4, 2017
Gorgeously soft, baby-like illustrations for an unlikely pairing in the wild. Still, a good way to explain what comes around goes around...lesson on paying it forward.
October 26, 2017
What a wonderful little book, with lovely illustrations and a kind message.
November 4, 2017
Gorgeously adorable illustrations!
November 6, 2017
it was the best picture book in the world.
September 10, 2018
This is a sweet story of the commonality among us. Wolves and polar bears are employed to show how wonderful kindness and love can be. My grandson loved it.
January 11, 2019
I felt that this book portrayed kindness, generosity and understanding for a lost wolf cub and polar bear. How true how life events can go full circle, this story shows us how life can be funny like that. This book made me sigh. 😘
August 31, 2018
I've read this one three times now and I get mushy every time!!!! I want to use this for a wolves and bears storytime this winter.
October 21, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Naoko Stoop's illustrations and these are breathtaking. I also love the message kindness that the text and artwork work together to show.
November 10, 2017
yeah i cried.
November 25, 2018
Lovely, loving book about finding family in unexpected ways.
October 3, 2021
Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.
Pup and Bear are two arctic creatures. When young Pup becomes separated from his mother a polar bear protects and looks after him, despite Pup’s assumption that Bear just wants a snack. After the wolf is raised to adulthood he leaves his bear guardian and finds a companion and they build their own pack. Then one day, the wolf comes across a lost polar bear cub. Very sweet.
Library copy
Pup and Bear are two arctic creatures. When young Pup becomes separated from his mother a polar bear protects and looks after him, despite Pup’s assumption that Bear just wants a snack. After the wolf is raised to adulthood he leaves his bear guardian and finds a companion and they build their own pack. Then one day, the wolf comes across a lost polar bear cub. Very sweet.
Library copy
December 30, 2017
Beautiful illustrations but I found the story kind of dull. Plus it did that thing were all animals are gendered 'he' unless proven otherwise. Also, isn't this a rip-off of Mama Do You Love Me?
February 25, 2019
A touching story about a wolf pup who is raised by a polar bear. I can see this being a beautiful story to share with a child about foster care. The refrain is "I am not your mother but I can..." as the mother bear protects, teaches and eventually lets go of the grown pup.
October 23, 2018
For step parents, foster families and other unconventional family make-ups.
November 21, 2025
A good little twist at the end
November 7, 2017
Wolf pup is lost from his mother. Polar bear takes him in, warmly reassuring that him that she can keep him warm and fed and cared for until it's time for him to go off on his own.
Wolf, now grown, goes off with his own pack, living a wolfish life until he finds a polar bear cub who has lost his mother. Repaying the kindness of his own bear parent, he warmly reassures the lost cub that he will keep him warm, fed, and cared for until the cub is ready to leave.
This quietly glowing story of love toward another living creature should find a warm, secure home with books about foster families. (I'd caution against lumping this with adoption stories: both polar bear and wolf are quite clear that they are not the lost babes' mothers. Even in open adoptions, the adoptive parents usually assume the roles of parenting.)
Wolf, now grown, goes off with his own pack, living a wolfish life until he finds a polar bear cub who has lost his mother. Repaying the kindness of his own bear parent, he warmly reassures the lost cub that he will keep him warm, fed, and cared for until the cub is ready to leave.
This quietly glowing story of love toward another living creature should find a warm, secure home with books about foster families. (I'd caution against lumping this with adoption stories: both polar bear and wolf are quite clear that they are not the lost babes' mothers. Even in open adoptions, the adoptive parents usually assume the roles of parenting.)
January 12, 2018
There will be times, more often than not, when in a given situation individuals will be expected to act in a specific manner. Action may be taken as expected but sometimes the best choice, the right choice, is unforeseen. It is surprising to all those involved.
Even in the world of animals there are cases of unlikely alliances, some lasting a lifetime. Pup and Bear (Schwartz & Wade Books, October 3, 2017) written by Kate Banks with illustrations by Naoko Stoop is a tender story of maternal instincts determining choice. In the harsh world of the Arctic it can be the difference between life and death.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
Even in the world of animals there are cases of unlikely alliances, some lasting a lifetime. Pup and Bear (Schwartz & Wade Books, October 3, 2017) written by Kate Banks with illustrations by Naoko Stoop is a tender story of maternal instincts determining choice. In the harsh world of the Arctic it can be the difference between life and death.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
December 19, 2018
This is an adorable book with fantastic illustrations. A little wolf pup finds itself all alone in the tundra, and a grown polar bear comes along and offers to help.
October 29, 2017
The Big Freeze was coming to the Arctic and the wolves took shelter. But when the Big Melt came, one little wolf pup was stranded on a sheet of ice and unable to reach land. He swam and swam, finally falling asleep in a snowdrift. There, a polar bear found him. The little wolf was scared at first, but the polar bear offered to help him. She took him to her den, fed and cared for him. Even though she was not his mother, she could do many things for him like teach him where to fish and play together. As time passed, the wolf grew old enough to head out on his own. He met other wolves and led a pack. Then one day, he found a baby polar bear alone in a storm, and the seasons and cycles continue.
Illustrated by award-winning Stoop, the Arctic images are done on wood, allowing the grain to come through and form swirls in the blue sky. The white animals glow against the Arctic setting filled with blues and greens. Banks’ text is poetic and evocative as it describes the beauty of the Arctic and the wonder of care for others. A lovely picture book with a strong message of extended community. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Illustrated by award-winning Stoop, the Arctic images are done on wood, allowing the grain to come through and form swirls in the blue sky. The white animals glow against the Arctic setting filled with blues and greens. Banks’ text is poetic and evocative as it describes the beauty of the Arctic and the wonder of care for others. A lovely picture book with a strong message of extended community. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
March 26, 2019
This story, about a wolf pup who is orphaned and raised by a polar bear, has so many beautiful themes in it that I’m amazed it’s a children’s book... and yet it is one and an excellent one at that! It’s set in the beautiful Arctic tundra with the sweetest illustrations of animals and nature. It shows the seasons changing and how aging occurs with each season that passes. The story demonstrates how we can help others who are very different from us by meeting their simplest most basic needs; safety, warmth, nutrition and love. It conveys that by modeling this sort of love, we’re enabling others to also give this sort of love. It’s a story about the circle of life, it’s a story about being an unconventional family, it’s a story about letting go when the time is right... It’s just very beautiful and yet simple enough that my young toddler really likes it too. And while I think this book would appeal to anyone seeking a great illustrated children’s story, I especially think it could be perfect for adoptive parents to read to their kids.
December 2, 2019
"I am not your mother," said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe."
This book is beautiful and I am glad I read it.
Naoko Stoop's illustrations are charming and are one of my favorite things about the book. I am usually drawn to picture books from their illustrations, and I knew I had to pick up the book based on the cover alone.
Kate Banks' prose is also beautiful. The story is about a lost wolf pup getting lost and being taken in by a polar bear, who teaches it everything he needs to know, even though she isn't his mother. I think this story would be especially poignant with non-traditional families and speaks beautifully about adoption and how you will love your child even if you did not give birth to them.
I own the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library edition and there are United Way-endorsed reading activities at the back of the book. These include questions/discussions to have before starting, things to bring up while you are reading, and questions and activities to do once you are finished.
This book is beautiful and I am glad I read it.
Naoko Stoop's illustrations are charming and are one of my favorite things about the book. I am usually drawn to picture books from their illustrations, and I knew I had to pick up the book based on the cover alone.
Kate Banks' prose is also beautiful. The story is about a lost wolf pup getting lost and being taken in by a polar bear, who teaches it everything he needs to know, even though she isn't his mother. I think this story would be especially poignant with non-traditional families and speaks beautifully about adoption and how you will love your child even if you did not give birth to them.
I own the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library edition and there are United Way-endorsed reading activities at the back of the book. These include questions/discussions to have before starting, things to bring up while you are reading, and questions and activities to do once you are finished.
October 6, 2017
A motherless wolf pup is alone in the arctic and finds himself confronted by a predator - a polar bear. But the bear keeps him safe and protected and teaches him what he needs to know as he comes of age. Then the whole cycle begins again...
Pup and Bear has gorgeous illustrations by Naoko Stoop, who says on the flyleaf that she wants her art to "bring out the five-year-old" in everyone. I loved not only the colors but the gradations of shading and tone within the colors. Her landscapes and skyscapes are particularly evocative and beautiful. The message of the book, from author Kate Banks, is also positive; that species who are traditional enemies (predator/prey) can have different interactions, a different pattern, a different cycle of life. A lovely book for parents and children to read together.
Pup and Bear has gorgeous illustrations by Naoko Stoop, who says on the flyleaf that she wants her art to "bring out the five-year-old" in everyone. I loved not only the colors but the gradations of shading and tone within the colors. Her landscapes and skyscapes are particularly evocative and beautiful. The message of the book, from author Kate Banks, is also positive; that species who are traditional enemies (predator/prey) can have different interactions, a different pattern, a different cycle of life. A lovely book for parents and children to read together.
February 21, 2018
Beautifully written, telling the story of a polar bear who takes in a wolf pup, then the pup growing up and taking in a polar bear cub.
These lines:
"You are not my mother, said the wolf pup.
"I am not your mother," said the polar bear, "but I can cuddle you and keep you safe."
They are so wonderful-they just give you all the feels. The words adopting, parents, mother, father, these traditional words in a story about fostering/adoption aren't here-so it seems more like a story children can relate to. Littles have trouble understanding adoption and foster care, but they know what a mother is, and the know what cuddles are, and feeling safe. Thus the author has written a story about adoption in the language of children.
These lines:
"You are not my mother, said the wolf pup.
"I am not your mother," said the polar bear, "but I can cuddle you and keep you safe."
They are so wonderful-they just give you all the feels. The words adopting, parents, mother, father, these traditional words in a story about fostering/adoption aren't here-so it seems more like a story children can relate to. Littles have trouble understanding adoption and foster care, but they know what a mother is, and the know what cuddles are, and feeling safe. Thus the author has written a story about adoption in the language of children.
March 27, 2021
Summary:
As the ice melts a wolf pup is left stranded alone. A polar bear finds the pup and takes it home to her den. She feeds and takes care of him as grows. When he's grown she sends him off and he ends up leading his own pack of wolves. One day he finds a polar bear cub lost and alone. He takes the cub home to his den with a promise to feed and take care of it.
My response:
This book warmed my heart. The sweet story had a very circular plot and the illustrations were beautiful. The watercolor style really made the story pop and just that much sweeter.
How I might use it:
This book would be great to talk about the different animals that live in a colder environment as well as compassion and helping others.
As the ice melts a wolf pup is left stranded alone. A polar bear finds the pup and takes it home to her den. She feeds and takes care of him as grows. When he's grown she sends him off and he ends up leading his own pack of wolves. One day he finds a polar bear cub lost and alone. He takes the cub home to his den with a promise to feed and take care of it.
My response:
This book warmed my heart. The sweet story had a very circular plot and the illustrations were beautiful. The watercolor style really made the story pop and just that much sweeter.
How I might use it:
This book would be great to talk about the different animals that live in a colder environment as well as compassion and helping others.
April 17, 2018
"Pup and Bear" is a soft, understated book that worms its way into your heart long after you close the back cover. While I think it has an audience with all kids, I think it's especially poignant for non-traditional families (adopted, blended, or otherwise) and/or young ones who need a gentle reminder that taking care of one another (no matter your "species") is a basic human/animal instinct. Stoop's sweeping illustrations do a commendable job at highlighting Banks' message of paying it forward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews