What do you think?
Archie and the Bear
Despite big differences, a gap between friends can be bridged by sharing in this boldly illustrated tale of a boy who says he's a bear and a bear who says he's a boy.
A very small boy in a bear suit and a very large bear in a boy suit share the fun of pretending, adventuring in the woods, and a honey sandwich next to a warm fire on a cold day. Which is really the boy, and which is the bear? It doesn't matter—you are who you say you are. With minimal text and bold, dramatic illustrations, this picture book offers a thought-provoking take on identity and brings a fresh vision to the theme of finding connections hidden behind visual differences.
A very small boy in a bear suit and a very large bear in a boy suit share the fun of pretending, adventuring in the woods, and a honey sandwich next to a warm fire on a cold day. Which is really the boy, and which is the bear? It doesn't matter—you are who you say you are. With minimal text and bold, dramatic illustrations, this picture book offers a thought-provoking take on identity and brings a fresh vision to the theme of finding connections hidden behind visual differences.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 18, 2018
About the author
Zanni Louise
68 books51 followersZanni Louise is an internationally published Australian author of over 50 books from picture books to young adult novels (writing as Zanni L Arnot.) Her books have been recognised by prominent speech pathology and educational publishing awards, as well as the Children’s Book Council of Australia, White Raven’s International Catalogue of Children’s Books, Panda Awards, K.O.A.L.A. Awards, Sakura Book Medal Reading List and the Australian Book Design Awards, among others. Her middle-grade novel, Queenie in Seven Moves, is on the New South Wales school curriculum.
Zanni has a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Creative Writing, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Psychology and a Certificate in Counselling. Zanni currently lives in an artists' warehouse in The Netherlands with two tall teens and an even taller husband. She loves visiting schools, organising retreats for grown-ups, and running in forests. Zanni is the founder of The Sunshine House, a growing community of writers and illustrators, as well as an author ambassador for Room To Read, which supports girls’ education and literacy.
Zanni has a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Creative Writing, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Psychology and a Certificate in Counselling. Zanni currently lives in an artists' warehouse in The Netherlands with two tall teens and an even taller husband. She loves visiting schools, organising retreats for grown-ups, and running in forests. Zanni is the founder of The Sunshine House, a growing community of writers and illustrators, as well as an author ambassador for Room To Read, which supports girls’ education and literacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 15, 2018
One of the greatest picture books of 2018. A boy can be a bear. A bear can be a boy. And they both love honey sandwiches, so perhaps they're not so different after all. Archie and the Bear explores identity and acceptance with sentiment and sweetness, humor and heart. An absolute must read.
September 19, 2018
Archie feels frustrated so he runs away into the woods and befriends a bear.
May 29, 2017
This book takes a bit of mind-bending, and I don't mind at all. A boy who believes he's a bear. A bear who believes he's a boy. A friendship of misunderstoods.
Dynamic and varied illustrations that zoom in and out and combine stark contrasts and soft watercolors and pencil drawings, artwork that is both simple and complex, like the story. This is one of those picture books that affirms a child's view of things and leaves adults of out it. I love books like that.
Dynamic and varied illustrations that zoom in and out and combine stark contrasts and soft watercolors and pencil drawings, artwork that is both simple and complex, like the story. This is one of those picture books that affirms a child's view of things and leaves adults of out it. I love books like that.
February 20, 2019
Fed up with all the people complimenting his bear suit, when he clearly is a bear, Archie heads to the woods, where he meets a bear. That is to say, he meets a bear in a boy outfit, who tells him that he is, in fact, a boy. So Archie and the bear, who both like honey sandwiches, spend some happy time together, before eventually heading back to Archie's place to get warm. Bear or boy, they have clearly become friends...
With story from Australian author Zanni Louise and artwork from British illustrator David Mackintosh, Archie and the Bear is an engaging picture-book, one which seeks to communicate the idea that we should tolerate and accept how others identify themselves, and form friendships based on mutual interests and pursuits. Clearly the boy and bear (whichever is which) are meant to be friends. The narrative seems to support the idea that the bear is a boy and Archie is a bear, having the former teach Archie to read and the latter teach the bear to catch fish. Given that this is so, I did find it a little distracting that the "bear-boy" is just called "the bear," rather than having a name of his own. Be that as it may, the story here was still fun, and the artwork striking. I loved the use of a limited but bold palette, one Mackintosh's part, and the fact that he is unafraid of the blank spaces on his page. I always appreciate an artist who doesn't find it necessary to fill every bit of the page, if it isn't necessary. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books about identity and friendship.
With story from Australian author Zanni Louise and artwork from British illustrator David Mackintosh, Archie and the Bear is an engaging picture-book, one which seeks to communicate the idea that we should tolerate and accept how others identify themselves, and form friendships based on mutual interests and pursuits. Clearly the boy and bear (whichever is which) are meant to be friends. The narrative seems to support the idea that the bear is a boy and Archie is a bear, having the former teach Archie to read and the latter teach the bear to catch fish. Given that this is so, I did find it a little distracting that the "bear-boy" is just called "the bear," rather than having a name of his own. Be that as it may, the story here was still fun, and the artwork striking. I loved the use of a limited but bold palette, one Mackintosh's part, and the fact that he is unafraid of the blank spaces on his page. I always appreciate an artist who doesn't find it necessary to fill every bit of the page, if it isn't necessary. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books about identity and friendship.
December 8, 2017
I received this through a goodreads giveaway.
I loved this book. The illustrations by David Mackintosh are amazing and I just love the use of colour throughout the book.
The story by Zanni Louise is also amazing. A boy who says he’s a bear, and a bear who says he’s a boy. I had to stop and think for this one which is a great thing as an adult reader of picture books. I love picture books that can do this and open up potential discussions between adult and children reading together. Overall I love the themes of acceptance, respect and friendship.
I loved this book. The illustrations by David Mackintosh are amazing and I just love the use of colour throughout the book.
The story by Zanni Louise is also amazing. A boy who says he’s a bear, and a bear who says he’s a boy. I had to stop and think for this one which is a great thing as an adult reader of picture books. I love picture books that can do this and open up potential discussions between adult and children reading together. Overall I love the themes of acceptance, respect and friendship.
November 20, 2018
Simple, cute, and magical. The art perfectly complements the story.
February 18, 2019
The story was so-so, but I LOVED the fact that Archie and the bear were so tiny in so many of the illustrations.
November 8, 2017
Archie and the Bear by Zanni Louise is a wonderful tale about friendship, being yourself and acceptance.
I really love this book. I have read it to classes during library time and to my own children many many times.
There is so much to gather from this story, as mentioned above, but overall it is just a really lovely story.
Archie is a bear (but he is really a boy) who goes wondering out into the forest with his homemade honey sandwiches. He meets a friendly boy (who is really a bear) and together they nibble on honey sandwiches and teach each other different things.
As the night grows dark they try to keep each other warm but end up returning to Archie’s house where they sleep warmly by the fire under a warm quilt.
The friendship between the bear and the boy is enviable, they take care of each other, are gentle to each other despite both knowing that they are clearly not what they say they are and they love hanging out together.
Friendship, acceptance and kindness are traits that we want to encourage in our children and this book really shows this in a subtle way.
We need to learn to accept people for who they are, accept people for what they believe in and accept them into our lives even if they are different.
David Mackintosh’s illustrations are bold and simple. They show enough of the story but don’t overload the page. The use of watercolors in the background help the reader to focus more on the main characters and the actions they are taking.
Not only does this book have a calming effect as we watch the friendship blossom, it also shows us how simple life and friendship can be.
Archie and the Bear is a beautiful read, definitely one for your bookshelf!
I really love this book. I have read it to classes during library time and to my own children many many times.
There is so much to gather from this story, as mentioned above, but overall it is just a really lovely story.
Archie is a bear (but he is really a boy) who goes wondering out into the forest with his homemade honey sandwiches. He meets a friendly boy (who is really a bear) and together they nibble on honey sandwiches and teach each other different things.
As the night grows dark they try to keep each other warm but end up returning to Archie’s house where they sleep warmly by the fire under a warm quilt.
The friendship between the bear and the boy is enviable, they take care of each other, are gentle to each other despite both knowing that they are clearly not what they say they are and they love hanging out together.
Friendship, acceptance and kindness are traits that we want to encourage in our children and this book really shows this in a subtle way.
We need to learn to accept people for who they are, accept people for what they believe in and accept them into our lives even if they are different.
David Mackintosh’s illustrations are bold and simple. They show enough of the story but don’t overload the page. The use of watercolors in the background help the reader to focus more on the main characters and the actions they are taking.
Not only does this book have a calming effect as we watch the friendship blossom, it also shows us how simple life and friendship can be.
Archie and the Bear is a beautiful read, definitely one for your bookshelf!
October 4, 2018
Archie and the Bear by Zanni Louise, illustrated by David Mackintosh. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), 2018. $18. 9781328973412
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Archie gets mad when people compliment his bear suit because he says he really is a bear. When Archie got tired of these comments, he headed into the woods where he met a bear dressed in a boy suit. They shared a sandwich and taught each other new skills, and when it got cold they went to Archie’s house for a warm quilt and a fire.
This book is charming, but not terribly engaging. My kids were a little confused about who the book was referring to when it used the word “bear” - was it the boy who believes he is a bear or the bear who believes he is a boy. The theme of finding like minds in the world was successfully conveyed, but the plot to pad that was a bit uninteresting.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Archie gets mad when people compliment his bear suit because he says he really is a bear. When Archie got tired of these comments, he headed into the woods where he met a bear dressed in a boy suit. They shared a sandwich and taught each other new skills, and when it got cold they went to Archie’s house for a warm quilt and a fire.
This book is charming, but not terribly engaging. My kids were a little confused about who the book was referring to when it used the word “bear” - was it the boy who believes he is a bear or the bear who believes he is a boy. The theme of finding like minds in the world was successfully conveyed, but the plot to pad that was a bit uninteresting.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
October 7, 2018
A very enjoyable children’s book but a bit complicated for my soon to be six year old. Heck, it had me a tad befuddled at first as well. Good to see other adult reviewers had to take a step back to ascertain what exactly was happening. Whoo, children’s books nowadays.
Once you figure it out, this book was entertains with wonderful text and beautiful illustrations. There’s a sort of spooky photo in the middle that got the 6-yr old a little shook but he settled himself and jumped back in. Overall, very delightful.
Once you figure it out, this book was entertains with wonderful text and beautiful illustrations. There’s a sort of spooky photo in the middle that got the 6-yr old a little shook but he settled himself and jumped back in. Overall, very delightful.
October 30, 2024
I quite like this book, I like the art, I like the story, I like the way the boy IS a bear and the bear IS a boy - it reminds me of when my son wore a spider hat to the store after preschool and Everyone said, "oh, you're a spider" and he said, "no, I'm a saber-toothed cat with a spider on my head."
I used this book in storytime and it went fine, but not great. I think some of the storytime, the things the boy and the bear taught each other to do kind of went over kids heads. Still, a nice book.
I used this book in storytime and it went fine, but not great. I think some of the storytime, the things the boy and the bear taught each other to do kind of went over kids heads. Still, a nice book.
October 25, 2018
Sadly there is nothing about this book I liked. However, I know that this is going to be immensely popular with most people. There is a charm to it that I am not totally seeing, but know that others will. With that said, of course, I appreciate the hard work that went into writing and drawing this book. And wish both author and illustrator great success with this book.
January 12, 2019
Archie is pretending to be a bear and the bear is pretending to be a boy. For me the illustrations are far more interesting than the storyline. I liked the palate of colors which features black, brown, and an orangey red. Plus the forest is depicted as looming large, but not ominous. Will be interested in seeing more of Mackintosh’s illustrations.
March 4, 2020
Like the very best picture books, there is something in here for both the child and the adult. Play "find Archie" in the bold illustrations as you read the story of friendship and being who you want to be. The language is very simple so beginning readers have a good shot at sitting down and reading it independently.
August 9, 2018
Just when I think there are too many bears stories, I find something original like this one. Mixed style of illustrations drew my eye to look more closely.
October 3, 2018
Archie the boy believes he is a bear. Bear believes he is a boy. When the two meet adorableness takes over the pages of this book.
October 8, 2018
A boy who says he's a bear and a bear who says he's a boy strike up a close friendship in this absurd identity story. Love the exaggerated size proportions between the two.
October 23, 2018
Very sweet book about differences and friendship.
October 29, 2018
Ages 4-6.
November 12, 2018
A boy, a bear, and lots of imagination! Who is really who?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2018
No thank you. A great example of, where the hell are Archie's parents.
January 8, 2019
A young boy who dresses like a bear sets off to live with his people in the woods. What will he do when he meets a bear dressed as a boy? Cute and very heartfelt. Preschool and up
January 27, 2019
We aren’t always quite what we appear to be but that doesn’t mean that we can’t learn things from each other and become good friends.
February 13, 2019
A boy in a bear costume and a bear in a boy costume meet. :)
March 20, 2019
A little boy insists that he is a bear. On an adventure in the woods, he meets a bear who insists he's a boy. Turns out they like a lot of the same things, and have fun teaching each other.
May 19, 2019
Clever idea, but the writing and illustrations could’ve been stronger.
September 13, 2019
Great story about pretending. A boy pretending to be a bear and a bear pretending to be a boy. They strike up a friendship and find common ground. Very simple pictures as well.
May 25, 2022
For my LFL.
Great illustrations.
Great illustrations.
February 14, 2023
Super cute with great art. A boy can be a bear, and a bear can be a boy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews