Bearcub and Mama

by Sharon Jennings, Mélanie Watt (Illustrator)

Bearcub follows his mama wherever she goes. By Mama's side, he discovers how to catch a fish and dig for grubs. With Mama's help, he learns to climb a tree and find honey. One day, Bearcub is exploring the high country when the sky darkens and a storm blows in. But this time, Mama is not there. Frightened and alone, Bearcub must rely on himself -- and all that his mama has taught him -- to weather the fierce winter storm. Told in simple, evocative language and illustrated in rich, luminous colors, Bearcub and Mama is a reassuring story about growing up and the powerful bond between mother and child.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Family

Hardcover

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Sharon Jennings is a children's book author. She has published over 70 books in 27 years. She teaches writing at Ryerson University. She was President of The Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) for three terms.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bearcub stays close to his mama. He follows her closely and knows where she is at all times. Bearcub learns a lot from mama, and his lessons are put to good use when bearcub finds himself lost during a sudden snow storm.

[Molly]

Bearcub always knows where is mama is. For separation anxiety.

[Carolyn]

Rich, warm, luminous illustrations enhance the story of a young cub and his mama. As the cub grows, he gains independence and gets separated from his loving, supportive and encouraging mother. Thankfully, he remembers the lessons she taught him and returns, through a snowstorm, to their cave. When he awakens in the morning, she is right there beside him. A lovely and reassuring story, best suited for preschool children.

On our list of Wonderful Canadian Picture Books
http://goo.gl/bxDAro

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful storybook to read out loud to your child. I did to my 3 year old granddaughter and we all enjoyed this book. The storyline and illustrations were great! Bearcub knows his Mama...he is by her learning from her. From her movements her actions and her words to him. When he gets old enough to venture alone he finds himself in a scary situation and remembers the things she taught him and knows that she will always be with him... and she is so he wasn't scared anymore and sure enough Mama did show up. But he knew that Mama would always be with him no matter what.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is filled with gorgeous illustrations by the incomparable Melanie Watt (who is going outside of her normal Scaredy Squirrel style for this one). The story by Sharon Jennings is sweet but a bit dull for my liking. I like the message but I don't think it would catch my preschool storytime crowd, it's more for the mama's who are thinking of their babies growing up and always being there for them. Sentimental - check! Entertaining - eh.

[Jamie]

A little longer but still really nice story.

[James Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice illustrations and a nice story.

From the library.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for a bedtime story.