From the Bookshelf of University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education, Primary PGCE 2019-20 …

[close] This story is suitable for children aged 3 upwards, possibly with an upper limit of Year 1. It tells the story of a bear who stares at everyone, causing them to shy away – and he’s not sure why. With a bit of help, he realises that “I don’t know what to say to anyone, and before I’ve had a chance to think, it’s too late”. He later encounters a river and finds a “green bear” staring back at him (his own reflection), and realises that he can smile. He starts smiling at everyone and suddenly life is a little friendlier and easier, culminating in the conclusion that “sometimes a smile is all you need”.

The book would suit a PSHE lesson about shyness, confidence, and others’ perceptions of you. It’s probably best to emphasise the message that it’s okay not to smile, and it’s okay not to feel happy sometimes and talking about your worries is a good thing (see ‘Ruby’s Worry’ for a good book about this). It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover: the bear was friendly, but didn’t look it, because he was nervous.