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Norton and the Bear
Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Or is it just annoying?
This irresistible read-aloud helps children deal with the sensitive topics of conformity, individuality and belonging in an accessible, kid-friendly way.
Whether you’re more like Norton or the bear, this story will show you that there’s room for all kinds of creative expression.
This irresistible read-aloud helps children deal with the sensitive topics of conformity, individuality and belonging in an accessible, kid-friendly way.
Whether you’re more like Norton or the bear, this story will show you that there’s room for all kinds of creative expression.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2020
56 people want to read
About the author
Gabriel Evans
25 books23 followersGabriel is an Australian picture book author and illustrator.
His books are published in twenty countries and have been shortlisted in the Children's Book Council's Picture Book of the Year award.
His books are published in twenty countries and have been shortlisted in the Children's Book Council's Picture Book of the Year award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 3, 2022
The darling illustrations really make this book about a guy who likes to dress in his own unique style and keeps being annoyed by an enthusiastic bear who buys all the same outfits. Kids will get a laugh out of the moral about embracing it when people "copy" them, and the bear is pretty adorable.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
March 16, 2021
This book always makes me laugh! I'm a teacher and my students enjoy a good giggle with this book too. The topic of 'copying' is a big one in the classroom with kids. We have long discussions after reading this book about times we have copied others or they have copied us. It has definitely inspired a few of my students' creative stories. We particularly LOVE the illustrations - so cute, lovely and bright! The scenes are very European looking, which is a treat for us. We love looking at each of the animals and different characters. There are some very fascinating small details in those pictures, which the kids love pointing out. I relate very much to the bear, think I may be him!!!
December 22, 2022
“Identity theft is not a joke, Jim! Millions of families suffer every year!” ~ Dwight, “The Office”
February 26, 2023
Norton is such a hipster dog in his skinny pants and suspenders. Plus I dig that all the critters are bipedal and sporting fun sweaters. Well, except for the ones in suits.
Library copy
Library copy
May 8, 2022
This fun picture book is about a character named Norton (I think he's a dog?) who likes to express his individuality by dressing in random outfits. One day Norton meets a bear who absolutely loves his sweater and decides to get an identical set. Norton doesn't love this idea and decides to add accessories like a scarf. The bear takes these changes as an opportunity to adjust his own outfit and purchases more identical items. Norton is not super impressed but eventually decides that wearing the same outfit doesn't matter too much, that you can still be unique even if someone is wearing the same things as you. I can see this book being funny and engaging for young readers. I would recommend this book to families and teachers of children in the age 4-8 range. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great picture book!
February 2, 2023
A delightful picture book about Norton, who loves to be different, and a Bear who copies every one of his clothing choices, to Norton's chagrin. Who doesn't want to shove a stick in their jumper?
I love the illustrations.
Perfect for reading aloud.
I love the illustrations.
Perfect for reading aloud.
November 12, 2022
Norton prides himself on being unique. He likes to dress in unique styles that no one else has. But then he meets a Bear who starts to copy him. The Bear buys the exact same sweater that Norton is wearing. Norton adds a scarf to make sure that his look is different. But the Bear buys the same scarf too! Norton adds a hat and a flower and socks, trying to find something completely original and unique that no one can copy. But the Bear just keeps copying his outfit and laughing that they are twins. Finally Norton yells at the Bear to stop copying him! But then Norton feels guilty for being so rude. Can Norton and the Bear learn to be friends and still feel unique?
I loved this book! So cute!! I definitely understand how Norton feels special when he has something unique to him that expresses who he is in a tangible way. And then to have someone else copy that same thing feels like someone is trying to steal your identity. I liked how Norton finally gets some perspective and realizes that the Bear is not threatening his sense of self. Clothes are an important part of self-expression, but there are many other things that express our personality in special and unique ways. I love that this book explores this topic in a funny way that also tells a great story!
The illustrations are so fun! You can really see Norton's emotions through his facial expressions and body language. The Bear is so vibrant and jolly and exuberant! The art work is absolutely stunning with all these little details and random passersby in the background of the scenes. I think it's interesting that there are humans and animals mixed together in this world, all walking in and out of shops and going about their business. It was interesting to see what other people on the street were wearing, in contrast to what Norton was wearing. Since Norton is so focused on clothing, it made me look at other fashions on the background characters too.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this book! So cute!! I definitely understand how Norton feels special when he has something unique to him that expresses who he is in a tangible way. And then to have someone else copy that same thing feels like someone is trying to steal your identity. I liked how Norton finally gets some perspective and realizes that the Bear is not threatening his sense of self. Clothes are an important part of self-expression, but there are many other things that express our personality in special and unique ways. I love that this book explores this topic in a funny way that also tells a great story!
The illustrations are so fun! You can really see Norton's emotions through his facial expressions and body language. The Bear is so vibrant and jolly and exuberant! The art work is absolutely stunning with all these little details and random passersby in the background of the scenes. I think it's interesting that there are humans and animals mixed together in this world, all walking in and out of shops and going about their business. It was interesting to see what other people on the street were wearing, in contrast to what Norton was wearing. Since Norton is so focused on clothing, it made me look at other fashions on the background characters too.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
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November 28, 2022See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/norton...
NORTON AND THE BEAR is a cute story about imitation and making new friends. Norton has his own style and loves standing out. He has found a sweater and loves wearing it, as no one has one quite like it. That is, until a bear comes and admires it before getting one exactly like it. Although he is irritated, Norton sees a scarf shop and decides to get one. Unique again, the bear sees and loves it too. As the bear gets the same scarf, Norton continually finds ways to dress up his outfit and make it new with the bear copying each move.
Eventually, Norton snaps at him. The bear listens and changes it up by adding a blue cape. However, Norton really likes it - and luckily, the bear has gotten one for him too. The book ends with Norton deciding that it is okay to dress alike - and noting that they are still different in other ways.
What I loved: This is a sweet story with a bit of silliness as Norton tries to maintain his individuality in the face of someone who admires and copies his style. As he comes up with ideas more and more outlandish (including a stick added to the ensemble), children will giggle along with the look.
This will be something that little ones can relate to, particularly if they have a younger sibling who loves to imitate them. The feeling of frustration is one that they can empathize with, and the ultimate resolution is a simple one - to accept that sometimes others will copy elements of their style and they can still be different in other ways.
The illustrations are really lovely and bring the emotions of the two main characters to life on each page. The content and length are great for elementary school aged readers as well as preschoolers.
Final verdict: NORTON AND THE BEAR is a cute picture book about imitation and making new friends. Recommend for young readers to share with caregivers.
NORTON AND THE BEAR is a cute story about imitation and making new friends. Norton has his own style and loves standing out. He has found a sweater and loves wearing it, as no one has one quite like it. That is, until a bear comes and admires it before getting one exactly like it. Although he is irritated, Norton sees a scarf shop and decides to get one. Unique again, the bear sees and loves it too. As the bear gets the same scarf, Norton continually finds ways to dress up his outfit and make it new with the bear copying each move.
Eventually, Norton snaps at him. The bear listens and changes it up by adding a blue cape. However, Norton really likes it - and luckily, the bear has gotten one for him too. The book ends with Norton deciding that it is okay to dress alike - and noting that they are still different in other ways.
What I loved: This is a sweet story with a bit of silliness as Norton tries to maintain his individuality in the face of someone who admires and copies his style. As he comes up with ideas more and more outlandish (including a stick added to the ensemble), children will giggle along with the look.
This will be something that little ones can relate to, particularly if they have a younger sibling who loves to imitate them. The feeling of frustration is one that they can empathize with, and the ultimate resolution is a simple one - to accept that sometimes others will copy elements of their style and they can still be different in other ways.
The illustrations are really lovely and bring the emotions of the two main characters to life on each page. The content and length are great for elementary school aged readers as well as preschoolers.
Final verdict: NORTON AND THE BEAR is a cute picture book about imitation and making new friends. Recommend for young readers to share with caregivers.
May 9, 2021
Norton likes to be different and chooses to express his uniqueness through the way he dresses. The bear admires him greatly and expresses this by buying and wearing similar clothes - as a compliment to Norton's good taste. However, Norton is affronted and each endeavour to add something different, and increasingly ridiculous, to his wardrobe is replicated. Eventually he confronts Bear who leaves, saddened that his friendship has been rejected. Then the bear finds something exotic to wear and the tables are turned and Norton learns an important life lesson.
An interesting look at finding a balance between expressing your own identity but also being part of a group. The design of the book adds to the story line, with two font colours to differentiate between the characters, hand written and of different sizes for added emphasis. The joy in the book is in the illustrations as Evans has chosen two very different characters to dress in a range of interesting attire. Norton, the lean and scruffy dog and Bear, large and boisterous and fun loving, make a wonderful contrast and even though bear might copy the way Norton dresses he will never look like Norton - a lovely tongue in cheek subtext that adds humour to this story about being alike and being different.
Shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Book of the Year: Picture Book award.
An interesting look at finding a balance between expressing your own identity but also being part of a group. The design of the book adds to the story line, with two font colours to differentiate between the characters, hand written and of different sizes for added emphasis. The joy in the book is in the illustrations as Evans has chosen two very different characters to dress in a range of interesting attire. Norton, the lean and scruffy dog and Bear, large and boisterous and fun loving, make a wonderful contrast and even though bear might copy the way Norton dresses he will never look like Norton - a lovely tongue in cheek subtext that adds humour to this story about being alike and being different.
Shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Book of the Year: Picture Book award.
April 23, 2022
Norton loves expressing his individuality through wearing unique clothing. He is overjoyed to find a sweater nobody else has, but Bear sees him and runs out to buy the same sweater! Every time Norton tries to add another article of clothing to differentiate himself, Bear admiringly runs out to buy the same. Eventually Norton explodes at Bear and feels bad about it. Bear walks off to buy a cape to make his outfit different, and when Norton admires it, Bear pulls one out for him.
My 4-year-old twins loved this book! They often squabble over either wanting to dress the same or wanting to dress different depending on what day it is. They both really identified with this book and chuckled over Bear’s eagerness to copy Norton amidst Norton’s budding frustration. The illustrations were beautiful and enchanting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher’s Spotlight for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My 4-year-old twins loved this book! They often squabble over either wanting to dress the same or wanting to dress different depending on what day it is. They both really identified with this book and chuckled over Bear’s eagerness to copy Norton amidst Norton’s budding frustration. The illustrations were beautiful and enchanting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher’s Spotlight for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
We are all different and unique. Norton and Bear are no different. Norton likes certain clothes and he likes his clothes to be just as unique as him. When Bear sees a sweater that Norton has, he has to have one for himself. Norton was horrified that Bear wore the same sweater. Norton has to be different and quick. He goes on to pick a scarf. Bear has to have the same scarf. On and on it goes. A funny tale of flattery. Norton in his timing, learns something that is timeless. It doesn't matter what we wear, we are all different and sometimes we are the same.
A funny book to read with your young readers. I have a granddaughter that does not like when I copy her so this would be a good one for her to read. :)
A special thank you to Publisher Spotlight and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A funny book to read with your young readers. I have a granddaughter that does not like when I copy her so this would be a good one for her to read. :)
A special thank you to Publisher Spotlight and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 21, 2022
This is a really cute simple book that will definitely make young children laugh -- a great read aloud for preschool to early elementary aged children. The character Norton in the story really loves dressing in a unique style and he runs into a problem when a Bear LOVES what Norton wears and copies him every single time he adds a new fashion statement to his outfit. The narrative is full of humor and the illustrations bring the comedic timing in wonderfully. The ending is satisfying and I think the message of the book about individual expression and "copying" is one children will resonate with.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
June 16, 2021
This joyful story tickles the funny bones. The characters are incongruously cute and quirky yet it’s their personalities that endear and attract. Bear is gregarious and idolising, Norton focused and observant. Together their hilarious exploration of self-identity carries them towards friendship, a friendship that allows them to share their differences and mutual admiration. Norton and the Bear is a jolly, sensitive and adept commentary on the nuances of individuality and adapting.
Read my full review of this adorable and provocative picture book at: DIM'SreVIEWS: http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/20...
Read my full review of this adorable and provocative picture book at: DIM'SreVIEWS: http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/20...
August 27, 2022
Norton dresses in a way that makes him feel unique. But when Bear begins to copy his style, Norton is upset. No matter what Norton does Bear copies him until…” Stop copying me!” cries Norton. Bear leaves Norton, saying he will find his own style which leaves Norton feeling bad he was unkind. Bear returns wearing a stylish cape. Norton likes what he sees and is surprised when Bear presents him with a similar cape. A lighthearted book about understanding that copying someone can be a compliment. You can look alike on the outside but be uniquely different on the inside.
September 27, 2022
This is a great kids book. I really like the moral because it’s so true to life.
Norton prides himself on being different, so he gets understandably annoyed when someone starts copying his style. But when the bear has something Norton really likes and wants, he gets to choose between swallowing his pride or being a hypocrite. And in the end learns that it’s okay if we like the same things, we’re still all unique.
I love the simplistic illustrations style; with a muted color pallet and lack of background it is both pleasing to look at, and makes the characters the focus.
Norton prides himself on being different, so he gets understandably annoyed when someone starts copying his style. But when the bear has something Norton really likes and wants, he gets to choose between swallowing his pride or being a hypocrite. And in the end learns that it’s okay if we like the same things, we’re still all unique.
I love the simplistic illustrations style; with a muted color pallet and lack of background it is both pleasing to look at, and makes the characters the focus.
July 12, 2021
Norton loves to be different and finds it utterly irritating when Bear copies everything he wears. He tells him, basically, to nick off.
Then Bear appears with a cape that Norton really really wants and thoughtful Bear has already bought him one.
This would be a good book to read in younger grades, as children are apt to copy each other (and it can be really irritating) - a good one for conversations about when it's ok to copy and when you should ask.
Then Bear appears with a cape that Norton really really wants and thoughtful Bear has already bought him one.
This would be a good book to read in younger grades, as children are apt to copy each other (and it can be really irritating) - a good one for conversations about when it's ok to copy and when you should ask.
September 2, 2022
The strange use of anthropomorphism in this story is a bit disconcerting, depicting animals dressing up and acting like people among humans. Why mix the two? For that matter, why name the dog and not the bear? Norton’s search for a singular style seems to emphasize the superficial, though Bear’s thoughtful and generous gesture is a worthy message, as is the promise of their new friendship. Quirky artwork makes a fashion statement.
April 4, 2024
Norton has a problem. His friend, Bear, is a copycat! Kids of all ages will instantly recognize this universal conundrum. But when Norton reflects more deeply, is it a problem...or a compliment? Norton must grapple with this thorny issue. The illustrations are charming and the world includes a mix of animals and humans living and working together in an urban setting -- a fantastical plus in my book. And as a bonus, this author/illustrator has a winning way with facial hair!
May 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book and the characters. It’s a great, fast and enjoyable read. I love the bit of a twist at the end.
The pictures that went with the book were simple, but well done. Also the characters themselves were super cute.
Overall, I would read more by this author.
I really liked this book and the characters. It’s a great, fast and enjoyable read. I love the bit of a twist at the end.
The pictures that went with the book were simple, but well done. Also the characters themselves were super cute.
Overall, I would read more by this author.
February 26, 2026
Probably great for kids - both the ones who don't like copycats, and the ones who try to enforce conformity. I dunno how I feel; I guess I would have tried to speak up earlier? Maybe a solution would be to go shopping with the bear and help him (just a little) find his own style? But maybe they should shop their closets first!
April 21, 2021
I particularly like the illustrations in this story, which warrant further investigation. The story itself was OK. It revolves around Norton, who likes to be distinctive and unique, and how he reacts when Bear starts copying him.
June 26, 2021
Imitation is the highest form of flattery - but it can be infuriating when you value individual flair! This is a beautifully illustrated, age-appropriate exploration of the concept of conformity and self-expression. Plus, it's just plain fun.
January 8, 2023
One of my absolute favourite books ever along with the borrowing bear. Fun to read aloud to kids (tried and tested over and over), fab humour and unforgettable characters. Gabriel Evans always delivers!
November 3, 2024
Norton likes to dress differently and be unique. But a bear also likes his style and copies him. Norton finds new clothing in stores. He does not see the bear as a fan. The ending shows Norton is surprised by the bear and opens his eyes to friendship.
March 14, 2021
Great for p-2 covering individuality and copying friends.
July 11, 2021
A book about a bear who always wants to dress the same as Norton. Norton doesn't like it and endeavors to dress differently however the bear copies.
September 15, 2021
A cute book with adorable illustrations. Norton has good taste. That's why someone wants to be like you.
September 18, 2021
Dare to be different.
October 12, 2021
the book was good, but like the bear was to big like and it had clothes on bruh that aint realistic make it walk on all four no clothes like a normal bear :|
October 14, 2021
this book is goated very reccomend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews