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Bear Wants to Sing
Bear wants to sing his song, but the other animals won't give him a chance to perform his masterwork in this delightful picture book companion to the critically acclaimed King Mouse.
A bear finds a ukulele in the woods. It makes a nice sound -- PLINK! -- and inspires him to write his own song. His friend Mouse would love to hear it. But Bear isn't the only animal in the forest to find musical inspiration that day, and Snake, Crow and Tortoise keep taking his turn to perform. When they finally give him the opportunity and meet his song with less enthusiasm than he'd like, the discouraged bear shelves his music career forever . . . but the kindness, empathy and appreciation of his best friend will prove that his art deserves recognition and can even inspire others.
This dryly humorous and sweetly profound collaboration between two critically acclaimed children's book creators, a follow-up to the masterful King Mouse, has the makings of a modern classic.
A bear finds a ukulele in the woods. It makes a nice sound -- PLINK! -- and inspires him to write his own song. His friend Mouse would love to hear it. But Bear isn't the only animal in the forest to find musical inspiration that day, and Snake, Crow and Tortoise keep taking his turn to perform. When they finally give him the opportunity and meet his song with less enthusiasm than he'd like, the discouraged bear shelves his music career forever . . . but the kindness, empathy and appreciation of his best friend will prove that his art deserves recognition and can even inspire others.
This dryly humorous and sweetly profound collaboration between two critically acclaimed children's book creators, a follow-up to the masterful King Mouse, has the makings of a modern classic.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published September 14, 2021
1 person is currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Cary Fagan
73 books73 followersCary Fagan has written numerous books for children, including What Are You Doing, Benny?, Little Blue Chair and Mr. Zinger's Hat, which was awarded the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the IODE Jean Throop Award. He has also won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work. Cary was born and raised in Toronto, where he continues to live with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 7, 2022
In the hands of a (typically) cheesier picture book illustrator, Cary Fagan’s Bear Wants to Sing would just be corny and cutesy, but Dena Seiferling’s delicate pencil drawings, washed in nostalgic sepia, makes it sweet. Then, after I had written a quick draft of this review, I discover from other reviews that this creative duo has, in this book, brought back their cast of characters from King Mouse, their first book together.
In that one a mouse finds a crown that a girl left in the woods and makes himself king, and all of his animal friends fall in line with the premise. They play together, as kids sometimes do. And in Bear Wants to Sing, the same girl leaves a bunch of instruments in the woods and each creature makes up a song to got with her particular instrument, in keeping with their natures. When the bear finally gets to share his song, it is, “I’m a bear, I’m a bear, I’m a bear.. ..” and so on, which I think read right might make kids laugh a lot.
I like the idea that this might be a series about friendship and play, invented in part by the girl, as if she might be imagining her stuffed animals to be playing nudged by her idea. Or, you know, they could just be creatures playing together. Either way, I like it.
Goodreads reviewer Cherlee shares some images of the book in her blog:
https://dickenslibrary.blogspot.com/2...
In that one a mouse finds a crown that a girl left in the woods and makes himself king, and all of his animal friends fall in line with the premise. They play together, as kids sometimes do. And in Bear Wants to Sing, the same girl leaves a bunch of instruments in the woods and each creature makes up a song to got with her particular instrument, in keeping with their natures. When the bear finally gets to share his song, it is, “I’m a bear, I’m a bear, I’m a bear.. ..” and so on, which I think read right might make kids laugh a lot.
I like the idea that this might be a series about friendship and play, invented in part by the girl, as if she might be imagining her stuffed animals to be playing nudged by her idea. Or, you know, they could just be creatures playing together. Either way, I like it.
Goodreads reviewer Cherlee shares some images of the book in her blog:
https://dickenslibrary.blogspot.com/2...
February 11, 2021
Author Cary Fagan and illustrator Dena Seiferling bring back the cast of characters from
King Mouse,
their first book together. In that picture book, a mouse discovers a crown and becomes king for a time, delighted to be waited on and entertained by the other animals. But things go awry when all the other creatures but one, Bear, also discover crowns—all planted in the forest by a child on a tricycle. (It’s hard not to think of Mr. Fagan as the mischievous child who has left behind objects just to see what his animal characters will do.) Bear lumbers off, despairing that he’s the only one lacking a crown. A kingly, generous gesture by Mouse ends up cheering Bear and cementing the friendship of the two.
In Bear Wants to Sing, the child on the tricycle once again rides into the forest in the misty morning light, this time to place several musical instruments. Bear makes the first discovery: a ukelele. He’s all set to sing for his friend, the mouse, when one animal after another interrupts. Each discovers and plays a different instrument, singing to celebrate his or her own kind and way of being. Fox thinks they should form a band. Bear isn’t so sure. He’s been put to shame by the sophisticated lyrics of the others; his own composition is barely a ditty. Bear lumbers off to the river, dejected once again and determined to travel far far away. Mouse follows his friend, cheering Bear with praise for the authenticity of his song. “It’s just like you,” he merrily tells his friend as the two float—gently down the stream—Bear on his back, and Mouse on Bear’s belly.
This is another lovely and unconventional picture book by Fagan and Seiferling. The text and the old-fashioned, sepia-toned illustrations are beautifully matched. Children who love Arnold Lobel’s “Frog and Toad” books will adore this one.
In Bear Wants to Sing, the child on the tricycle once again rides into the forest in the misty morning light, this time to place several musical instruments. Bear makes the first discovery: a ukelele. He’s all set to sing for his friend, the mouse, when one animal after another interrupts. Each discovers and plays a different instrument, singing to celebrate his or her own kind and way of being. Fox thinks they should form a band. Bear isn’t so sure. He’s been put to shame by the sophisticated lyrics of the others; his own composition is barely a ditty. Bear lumbers off to the river, dejected once again and determined to travel far far away. Mouse follows his friend, cheering Bear with praise for the authenticity of his song. “It’s just like you,” he merrily tells his friend as the two float—gently down the stream—Bear on his back, and Mouse on Bear’s belly.
This is another lovely and unconventional picture book by Fagan and Seiferling. The text and the old-fashioned, sepia-toned illustrations are beautifully matched. Children who love Arnold Lobel’s “Frog and Toad” books will adore this one.
June 2, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
As a reviewer under the educator title, I don't review a lot of picture books. As a high school teacher, I tend to choose more middle-grade and YA books but this was SUPER CUTE. A bear finds a ukulele in the woods and wants to sing his song but the other forest animals barge in to sing their own music. Although all the animals were not impressed, I side with the mouse and enjoyed Bear's song. It is certainly a good story about accepting who we are despite what others might think.
Goodreads review published 02/06/21
Publication Date 14/09/21
As a reviewer under the educator title, I don't review a lot of picture books. As a high school teacher, I tend to choose more middle-grade and YA books but this was SUPER CUTE. A bear finds a ukulele in the woods and wants to sing his song but the other forest animals barge in to sing their own music. Although all the animals were not impressed, I side with the mouse and enjoyed Bear's song. It is certainly a good story about accepting who we are despite what others might think.
Goodreads review published 02/06/21
Publication Date 14/09/21
July 14, 2023
He may be a big hairy guy but Bear has a song inside him and he wants to sing about it once he stumbles on an unexpected guitar in the woods.
Unfortunately, he's always shunted to the side by other friends who, after finding other musical instruments, sing their songs first and never want to hear Bear's song......until he finally gets to sing it.
Such a cute book with glorious illustrations by Dena Seiferling.
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm ....hmmmm, hmmm, hmmm ..... I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm a girlll .... I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm a girllllllll. I'm a girl!!!!!!!!!!!! Sing with me!
Don't think you won't be finding your inner song afterwards. It needs to be sung!
Unfortunately, he's always shunted to the side by other friends who, after finding other musical instruments, sing their songs first and never want to hear Bear's song......until he finally gets to sing it.
Such a cute book with glorious illustrations by Dena Seiferling.
Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm ....hmmmm, hmmm, hmmm ..... I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm a girlll .... I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm a girllllllll. I'm a girl!!!!!!!!!!!! Sing with me!
Don't think you won't be finding your inner song afterwards. It needs to be sung!
July 26, 2022
Beautiful illustrations that encourages the reader to pay attention. Lovely story.
October 17, 2021
The story begins with a dreamlike image of a child on a tricycle pulling a cart which is losing its cargo of musical instruments. Bear finds the ukulele and is eager to play a song for mouse, however, there are a lot of interruptions. Finally mouse gets to hear bear's song and it is very special. Everyone should have an encouraging friend like mouse. This is an enchanting story about creativity and friendship. Then on the last page we see the child on the tricycle returning and the instruments all neatly stacked. A truly magical picture book.
October 26, 2021
Delightful, sweet, and atmospheric illustrations and a funny story about singing the song that's just right for you.
September 14, 2021
If you want to see samples of artwork from this book, check out my blog post at https://dickenslibrary.blogspot.com/2...
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this charming picture book. It was released September 14, 2021 by Hanover Square Press.
Bear chances upon some musical instruments left in the woods. After strumming a ukulele, he thinks he would like to sing his own song to his beloved friend, Mouse.
Before he can start, Crow shows up and caws her own tune.
Before Bear gets a chance, Snake enters the clearing and begins her song.
Other animals arrive and interject with their own ditties. All of their songs proclaim how great they are.
When Bear finally gets his turn, his song just asserts that he is a bear. The other animals are not impressed and Bear wanders off to be by himself.
Mouse follows him. He tells Bear he likes his song “Because it is just like you.” Bear helps Mouse find his own song and the two friends float merrily down the river.
The sweetness in this book might lead you to overlook the profound message it conveys. Yes, it's a wonderful book about friendship. But most importantly, it's about accepting who you are without judgement or comparison with others. Good friends help us get there.
Dena Seiferling's vintage style illustrations won me over in King Mouse. I'm delighted to spend time with her artwork here. I can't imagine this book any other way.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this charming picture book. It was released September 14, 2021 by Hanover Square Press.
Bear chances upon some musical instruments left in the woods. After strumming a ukulele, he thinks he would like to sing his own song to his beloved friend, Mouse.
Before he can start, Crow shows up and caws her own tune.
Before Bear gets a chance, Snake enters the clearing and begins her song.
Other animals arrive and interject with their own ditties. All of their songs proclaim how great they are.
When Bear finally gets his turn, his song just asserts that he is a bear. The other animals are not impressed and Bear wanders off to be by himself.
Mouse follows him. He tells Bear he likes his song “Because it is just like you.” Bear helps Mouse find his own song and the two friends float merrily down the river.
The sweetness in this book might lead you to overlook the profound message it conveys. Yes, it's a wonderful book about friendship. But most importantly, it's about accepting who you are without judgement or comparison with others. Good friends help us get there.
Dena Seiferling's vintage style illustrations won me over in King Mouse. I'm delighted to spend time with her artwork here. I can't imagine this book any other way.
March 15, 2021
This is a delightful book about a bear wanting to share a song with his friends whilst playing his ukulele. Unfortunately Bear keeps getting interrupted by all the other animals who want to show off their singing talents too whilst playing their own instruments. Once Bear gets his opportunity the other animals are very 'underwhelmed' as his song is very simple 'I'm a bear. I'm a bear ' Bear is disappointed that the other animals aren't impressed with his song but his good friend mouse saves the day as they float off singing the song together.
My daughter loved this book and it has a lovely message of friendship that would be perfect to share with children in school. The illustrations in this book are exceptional and bring this lovely story to life. I would definitely recommend this picture book and it would make a great gift for a young child too.
My daughter loved this book and it has a lovely message of friendship that would be perfect to share with children in school. The illustrations in this book are exceptional and bring this lovely story to life. I would definitely recommend this picture book and it would make a great gift for a young child too.
November 28, 2021
'Bear Wants to Sing' by Cary Fagan with illustrations by Dena Seiferling is an ebook about a group of animals that find some instruments in the woods.
Bear finds a ukulele and it makes a sound which inspires him to write a song which his friend mouse wants to hear. Before he can perform it, he is interrupted by a series of animals that are more insistent. Mouse wants to hear Bear's song, but will Bear ever get to sing it?
I loved this gentle picture book about a bear who wants his song to be heard in a noisy world. I love the illustrations and the thoughtful nature of this book. We could all use a friend like Mouse.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Bear finds a ukulele and it makes a sound which inspires him to write a song which his friend mouse wants to hear. Before he can perform it, he is interrupted by a series of animals that are more insistent. Mouse wants to hear Bear's song, but will Bear ever get to sing it?
I loved this gentle picture book about a bear who wants his song to be heard in a noisy world. I love the illustrations and the thoughtful nature of this book. We could all use a friend like Mouse.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
December 20, 2021
I adore bear books. This is a new favorite, with fantastic illustrations by Dena Seiferling (wait until you see the bear's expressions) and a story about how to be a good friend by Cary Fagan. Bear finds a ukelele in the forest and now proclaims he's a musician and wants to sing a song. Dear Mouse crosses his legs and puts his paws in his lap. "I'm all ears," he said. Bear gets ready but along comes Crow, discovers a tambourine, immediately takes the stage with his own song. Oh, the joy! But as Bear starts again, along comes snake who finds a drum. That's how it goes and with Mouse trying hard to tell everyone it's Bear's turn, but no one listens. How it turns out okay has much to do with little Mouse, a true friend. Kindness matters! The ending gives a big smile! There are double-page spreads showing a lot of happiness!
January 22, 2022
This book held SO much promise. The graphite drawings are stunning and they are what immediately drew me into this forest world. And to have animals playing instruments, it's bound to be fun.
But I don't know if this book is trying to embrace individuality. If it's trying to be funny. Because honestly, I felt like the book encouraged pouting when you don't get your way. The bear leaves. Just leaves the forest. Just. leaves the forest to float down the river because no one liked his song (which literally was "I'm a bear" over and over and over again.)
The drawings and text did not line up. So honestly, the only reason this is rated so high is for the illustrations.
But I don't know if this book is trying to embrace individuality. If it's trying to be funny. Because honestly, I felt like the book encouraged pouting when you don't get your way. The bear leaves. Just leaves the forest. Just. leaves the forest to float down the river because no one liked his song (which literally was "I'm a bear" over and over and over again.)
The drawings and text did not line up. So honestly, the only reason this is rated so high is for the illustrations.
February 10, 2021
In Bear Wants to Sing, Bear finds a ukulele and thinks of a song he wants to share. But poor bear keeps getting interrupted as the forest animals find musical instruments and share their songs. He finally shares his song but seems disappointed by the reactions of the firest friends. Mouse however, just gets bear in a sweet ending to this story. Within this short tale the illustrations and text create an understated beauty.
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Bear wants to share his song, but as he meets several animals, they want to sing, and he doesn't get a chance to sing. Finally one of them asks him to sing and after bear sings his friends try to be supportive, but bear is not happy with the response. He goes to take a swim and his friends follow him and start singing his song. My favorite part was the animals response to bear's song. I also enjoyed the way the songs were in rhyme, but the rest of the story was not. That made the songs
special.
special.
November 27, 2021
Bear finds a ukulele in the woods, and it makes a nice sound, so he decides he'd like to sing a song for his friend Mouse. Other animals keep butting in, however, singing their own songs about how great they are. When Bear finally gets to sing his song, his is more simple than the others' songs, and not as well received, causing Bear to not want to sing again. Mouse likes it, though- he says it reminds him of Bear. A sweet story about true friendship by Fagan, with soft, beautiful illustrations by Seiferling.
#NetGalley
#NetGalley
May 31, 2022
A charming story of friendship and kindness told with dry humor and stunning illustrations, this book is adorable!
When a bear finds a ukelele in the forest, he wants to share a song with his mouse friend. But as the other animals find instruments and play their own tunes, the bear realizes he's not the only musician in the forest and insecurities abound! There follows a tender moment between the mouse and bear, which is utterly heartwarming encouraging readers to be kind, inclusive, and sensitive toward others.
When a bear finds a ukelele in the forest, he wants to share a song with his mouse friend. But as the other animals find instruments and play their own tunes, the bear realizes he's not the only musician in the forest and insecurities abound! There follows a tender moment between the mouse and bear, which is utterly heartwarming encouraging readers to be kind, inclusive, and sensitive toward others.
February 8, 2021
A sweet and beautifully illustrated story about a bear and hi song. A bear finds an instrument in the woods and wants to play the song to his friend Mouse, but suddenly other animals come and play other instruments before he can. The artwork is just beautiful, gorgeous, and so pretty. It’s a short and easy read, and very sweet. I would definitely recommend this book!
*Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
September 14, 2021
There is so much to love about this book. I knew immediately that this book was by the same illustrator as King Mouse, the illustrations are so memorable and whimsical. The story is simple but full of important lessons: taking turns, showing courage, and living to the beat of your own drum (or in Bear's case, to the strum of your own guitar). I love love this book and would definitely read it to my Kindergarten class! It's so sweet.
March 17, 2022
Read it as a library book, want it for my own book. A singing bear with a ukulele (it's no secret I love ukulele's), and a cast of woodland creatures share a subtle message of the importance of manners, being heard, and building self-confidence! The inclusion of silly songs is guaranteed to get a laugh. So many interactive storytime possibilities from incorporating instruments, to possibly a puppet show!
May 3, 2022
"I like your song ... Because it is just like you."
Music doesn't have to be fancy or complicated, it just needs to express who you are, even if it's very simple. Bear finds a ukulele in the woods and just wants to sing his song. But other animals come along, finding instruments and singing their songs first. Their songs are much more complicated, so when it's bear's turn, he's not sure he wants to sing anymore. Until his friend mouse helps him see the beauty in his song.
Music doesn't have to be fancy or complicated, it just needs to express who you are, even if it's very simple. Bear finds a ukulele in the woods and just wants to sing his song. But other animals come along, finding instruments and singing their songs first. Their songs are much more complicated, so when it's bear's turn, he's not sure he wants to sing anymore. Until his friend mouse helps him see the beauty in his song.
February 11, 2021
I love this book! As a teacher who plays ukulele with my students, i think this would be a big hit. It would like to add it to my list of books for my social/emotional curriculum to talk about hurting others feelings, feeling left out and friendship. The story also has a lovely message about the joy of music for music's sake.
February 19, 2021
Cute story about animals finding various instruments and each playing their song. Most sing about themselves, while the bear sings a very simple song--so simple the other animals don't know what to say. So the bear runs off, the mouse follows him, and together they discover the beauty in the simplicity of the bear's song. Very nice illustrations.
February 24, 2021
Amazing art-work that is well-crafted and dreamy. The illustrations add ambiance to the story of Bear as he comes to grips with being true to himself and stops comparing himself to his forest friends. As in King Mouse, the first collaboration of Cary Fagan & Dena Seiferling, Mouse is there to add support and friendship to his pal, Bear. A very lovely book to add to your collection.
March 15, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read this in advance in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely adored this sweet story and the lovely artwork by Dena Sieferling. The bear in this story reminds me so much of my husband lol. It's a really good one for early readers who are about at the level of the Frog & Toad books.
March 19, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Tundra Books, and Penguin Random House Canada for the digital advance reading copy of this book.
I love the monochromatic illustrations in this book, so simple but also captivating. I love how patient Bear is; Bear's song sounds exactly like something I would write. I love that Mouse is such an awesome friend.
Highly recommend this book!
I love the monochromatic illustrations in this book, so simple but also captivating. I love how patient Bear is; Bear's song sounds exactly like something I would write. I love that Mouse is such an awesome friend.
Highly recommend this book!
October 5, 2021
Ok, this was really cute. Unique art style with subdued colors and lots of feathery lines. All the woodland animals keep singing their songs and not giving bear a turn. I love how bear's song goes when he finally gets his chance. The ending took a contemplative turn I wasn't expecting, but the overall vibe was very cozy and sweet with a classic vibe.
November 22, 2021
Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in 2022. This would be a great bedtime story for kids. Bear finds a musical instrument and wants to sing a song for everyone. Before he gets a chance, several other animals find their own instruments and sing their own songs. When he finally gets his chance his song is less than wonderful but his friends encourage him anyway.
April 8, 2024
To make the most out of this book, the reader should be willing to take on multiple voices and freestyle some silly songs. This book is so fun to read, and the more you put into it, the more fun the kids will get out of it!! I love the illustrations in this book and also the message that we all have something good to offer.
July 15, 2024
What a freaking SWEET book about friendship. Oh my, I'm saving this one.
What I thought was going to be simply a book about sharing turned out to be quite a profound book about empathy and what it means to be a true friend.
I didn't know I needed a children's book on friendship, but this one touched home.
What I thought was going to be simply a book about sharing turned out to be quite a profound book about empathy and what it means to be a true friend.
I didn't know I needed a children's book on friendship, but this one touched home.
February 8, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for a free digital copy for my review.
With gorgeous illustrations, this book is about not comparing yourself to others and finding those who appreciate you for who you are. I thought the art was stunning and the message quite lovely.
With gorgeous illustrations, this book is about not comparing yourself to others and finding those who appreciate you for who you are. I thought the art was stunning and the message quite lovely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews