Once I Was a Bear

by Irene Luxbacher

Oh, to be a bear in the forest! To rest and play, day after day, always feeling safe and at home. But when change fills the air, and it's time to journey into a different kind of wilderness, will it ever feel the same?

This story illuminates the difficult transitions we all must face as we learn how to be at home in the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

After graduating with a degree in Art History from Queen’s University, Irene studied Fine Art (specifically drawing and painting) at Emily Carr College of Art and Design.

Irene has a background in art education and has lead visual arts workshops for more than 17 years in Public schools in Toronto and at The Avenue Road Arts School. Both the Jumbo Books and the Starting Art Series have received much critical acclaim and reviews from librarians, teachers and parents.

Irene was a finalist in 2009 for a Governor General’s Award for her illustrations found in The Imaginary Garden.

Irene lives in Toronto, Canada where she is currently working on new paintings, illustrations and picture books.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is full of beautiful illustrations, from a forest with mighty mountains and tall trees, to a bustling city and classroom. The main character adjusts to being in a school setting as they recall memories of nature and once living life as a bear.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tender story about a young boy who is nervous to start school. He imagines himself as a bear free in the forest who has changed environments and has to adapt to new rules. Readers see him slowly gain confidence and take risks to make new friends.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once I Was a Bear is about a little boy who is apprehensive about beginning school. Beginning with a bear cub describing the beauty of his natural habit, the bear wakes from his winter hibernation to find a strange and intruding world. At first the bear-child is afraid that no one will understand him, but through art and storytelling he comes to find that maybe he is not alone.

Teaching points: new situations, autism, POV-1st person

Grade Level: PreK-2

Location: LES library, Libby app (eBook)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The art was beautiful and the story poetic and interesting. My kids and I keep talking about what animals we’d be in our imaginary world whenever we’re nervous or anxious about something.they found the story super calming and reassuring and that makes me give it two thumbs up for sure!

[Leslie Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book from cover to cover. The story reminds us of the power of childhood imagination and the need to belong and adapt to change. The artwork is extraordinary, juxtaposing the natural world with urban imagery. This is a must- read in every classroom and for anyone who believes in the importance of celebrating our differences and being true to oneself.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful artwork. The story was sweet, but the ending was really confusing. I get that it was about a kid who didn't feel comfortable in his environment, but even my seven-year-old said it made no sense to her and when I tried to explain, she threw up her hand like she didn't even care to figure it out.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully illustrated story of a young boy who feels more at home in nature than in a busy city environment. The illustrations are especially beautiful and our boys loved the themes behind the story.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting story of a sweet bear who embarks on a great journey into the unknown, school, a day of firsts, and of how scary it can be to take the steps alone,not knowing where it can lead... and sometimes magic can happen outside of one’s inner world and sanctum. Beautifully done!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child moves from the country to the city and is trying to adapt to his new surroundings. The bear in the story represents the child which was a little confusing and may not be apparent to young children.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book! It is a different look at how kids work through changes and still manage to hold on to what makes them uniquely themselves. It would be a great book for class discussion as an SEL topic. It is kind of a deep topic but worthy of a read. Highly recommended for Grades K-5.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is this book about reincarnation? I found the premise unnerving.

[Clemente Angiolillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love this book. I think she has a great storytelling style and wonderful illustrations. And what kid doesn't want to read about bears.

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book about inclusion. A good book for kids to learn about how everyone is different.

[Noah Luxbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the art style and what the message of inclusion

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe the story makes little sense, but that is what makes it great. Everyone is welcome to interpret the story in their own way.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book! Definitely good for children that are in a new environment and are shy.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear has a hard time adjusting to school at first, but as time passes he learns more about being a boy than a bear.

[Alice Ball · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book, but feel it won't reach young kids in a way they will appreciate or understand.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story 3
Illustrations 3

[Jonna Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become a family favorite. The illustrations alone were absolutely beautiful and captivating while showing a child’s bravery!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely imagination fuel in a calm quiet book. Great for shy, introspective kids. Bombastic kids will love it too. Could be a school read, but best as a home read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ONCE I WAS A BEAR a little cub who is profoundly at home and at peace in the forest wakes from a deep slumber to discover that he is about to embark on a new journey as a little boy in a busy city. I love the metaphorical magic of this book, Luxbacher’s attentiveness to detail in the illustrations that are juxtaposed with spare, evocative language. Empathy and understanding come from noticing—and Luxbacher’s readers are invited to notice everything: the tail of a racoon in a tree, the whisper of birches in the wallpaper, the special polka-dot napkin in the lunchbox. It is a story about transformation, bravery and the kindness and beauty in the world that is waiting to meet us, even if it might take us a bit of time to get there, even if we must always let our hearts live in the woods where we most belong.