A Bear to Share: A Tender Story About a Girl, Her Teddy Bear, and Giving Back for Kids

by Jessica Alba, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Norah Weinstein

Business leader, actor, and Baby2Baby ambassador Jessica Alba and Baby2Baby co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein deliver the important message of giving back from an early age through this tender and delightful story.

Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears!

Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for two?

Find out in this endearing tale--brought to life by Alicia Más's imaginative illustrations--about a young girl who learns the importance of letting go and giving back.

A girl with a big heart who loves her teddy bear, her family, and her best friend, Tiana will appeal to any child trying to understand what it means to give back to others.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Contemporary

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

Jessica Marie Alba is an American model, television and film actress. She began her television and movie appearances at age 13 in Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994). Alba rose to prominence as the lead actress in the television series Dark Angel (2000–2002). Alba later appeared in various films including Honey (2003), Sin City (2005), Fantastic Four (2005), Into the Blue (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Good Luck Chuck, both in 2007.

See also: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004695
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_...

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little girl loves her teddy bear! She loves him so much he's falling apart, and her aunt gives her a new one to replace it. But... she doesn’t want to replace Bach? The new bear is beautiful, though.
She then learns her best friend has never had a teddy bear, because his parents can't afford toys.
Debating what to do, she gives him the new beautiful bear! So he can make memories with it, like she made memories with Bach.

[Ollie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most important and best picture books I’ve ever seen. 5 ⭐️

[Teresa Selders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about sharing what you have with others or someone who dosen't have as much as you do (whether its clothes toys food etc.) I would share this with my classroom because there are alot of children in the classrooms that are less fortunate than others. It teaches a lesson of giving back. I like the story because its easy to understand and the illustrations are great for the young readers. It will help the children understand the true meaning of giving. Ideal for ages 4-8 years old.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book greatly surprises me. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I do. Normally, I get annoyed when books start out with a letter from the author telling you the purpose of the book or why they wrote it or giving you expectations that the story cannot live up to. I’m one where that stuff should be in the back. But in this case, it lived up to it. This book supports the work that Jessica Alba and her co-riders do in an organization called baby DaBaby. This is a great book to help kids understand that not everyone is equal. That some kids have more than others. And that there is always ways to help. But it doesn’t in such a nice thoughtful and simple way That it’s not depressing, and it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to pound in a lesson and change who you are. It points out to the reader and to kids that it’s OK and it’s wonderful to help. I fully admit I loved everything about this book. Both the story and the pictures. It’s well written it’s well illustrated, and I hope they continue to print it so that way they’re organization Have the money they need to continue doing the work that they do.

[Sue H · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet story that showed the importanec of giving to others that might have less than you--an important lesson for kids.
Tiana has a bear that she loves, so much so that it is missing an eye and has stuffing coming out of it. When she is given a new bear to replace the old bear, she is stuck with a dilemma. Upon shaing this with her best friend, she realizes that he doesn't have a bear of his own as his parents can't afford one. Tiana decides to give her friend Timothy her new bear "to love and make his own".
I appreciate that Tiana decided to give the new bear away--but there does feel like there is a bit of "pity" that she feels for him, which I didn't really like.

[Tori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing as how this book is celebrity written and almost certainly digitally illustrated, I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. Tiana loves her teddy bear, and when she is gifted a new one, instead of replacing her old bear she decides to give it away to a friend who doesn't have one at all. My kids stayed engaged throughout the story, loving the pictures and asking questions. They even felt inspired at the end to go through their own toys and choose some to give a way. This book was a win all around. I've docked a star simply because of the illustrations- they're fine, don't get me wrong, but nothing stands out about them and I'm a snob and prefer physical art over digital.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super cute and addressed the concept of how each family has different insecurities and issues, financial in this case. It is also great about showing how giving generously can begin at any age. The illustrations and text format are nothing to write home about though—this book needed the text to be more spread out with more pages of illustrations for the age group it is targeting—ages 3-5.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiana LOVES her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't care that he is worn out or missing an eye. So when her aunt gives her a new teddy bear, she doesn't know what to do. She tells her best friend and best listener, Timothy, about her dilemma and he says that he thinks Bach is perfect and that he's never had a teddy bear. She is shocked, but she learns that Timothy's family doesn't have money for toys and extras. After a heartwarming discussion with her mom, Tiana makes a decision.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet story about giving. Tiana has a well loved teddy bear that she keeps close. Her aunt sends a new one and her mom tries to have her change bears. She doesn't want to do this. When she talks with a friend at school, she learns he has never had a teddy bear. She processes this with her mom and chooses to give the new one to him. It's a compassionate story but also dips into to pity. The overall message works.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a touching story about the importance of kindness and sharing. It is a good lesson for young children packaged in the story and the wonderful, colorful illustrations. What's terrific is the idea to share her new bear with her friend who doesn't have a stuffed bear comes from the child herself; there was no prompting from a parent, teacher or other adult.

[Ashley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina's teddy bear is worn and torn, but she loves him no matter what. So when her mom brings home a new teddy bear and suggests Tina replace her old one, she is not happy. Tina soon comes up with a plan to make sure both bears are loved. This kind book filled with sweet illustrations is great for younger ages.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely cute story!! Wonderful, colorful artwork and love the teddy bears in it. Best part though is the amazing lesson of service and sacrifice to others that kids should learn and can easily pick up in this story.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice message (it's good to give to those in need) but kids will glaze over during "A Bear to Share".

I'm happy Alba wants to use her final flickering embers of fame for good, but this book is less essential than a third nipple.

This is not A Book to Share.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally teared up near the end. I love this book so much. The dialogue, text, characters, story, and illustrations are so wonderful. It warmed my heart and gave me the feels. Highly recommend this book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving always feels better than receiving.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiana gives her new bear to her friend in need of one.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrity written book about poor people? Pass. BUT it was written way more thoughtfully than I had anticipated and Baby2Baby is a great organization.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to charitable giving for young children! Highly recommended for preK- 1st grade.

[Y.Poston]

Love the images and the story!!!!Gorgeous

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST read for every child!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple yet effective story to talk to younger children about giving and gratitude.

Story: 4
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 4

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about the love a child has for their toy, and about generosity.

[Lake Shore Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book affected my kids so much, they got into a debate about sharing. 😆 My 3yo didn't see the sharing part coming. She's still shooketh.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story to help kids start understanding inequity and the joy that comes from giving and kindness. A solid story time offering!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

read to Sylvanna

[Maria Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book. Read it to my preschoolers and had to hold back on crying at how precious this book was to me.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl is given a new teddy bear because hers is so well-loved and worn out. She learns her friend has never had a teddy bear.

A gentle introduction to the idea that some of the things we take for granted, others don't have it all.
Great book on kindness. I will probably buy it for my home collection.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiana love her teddy bear Bach, which she has had for quite some time. Bach is a little time worn, with one eye missing, fur worn down, and stuffing coming out of his neck. When Tiana's aunt Maria gives Tiana a new bear, Tiana has mixed feelings about what to do about Bach, her long and trusted friend. A solution presents itself and Tiana makes a good choice.