Bearnard’s Book
by Deborah Underwood, Illustrated by Misa Saburi
Henry Holt and Company (February 5, 2019)
Fiction * Bears * Animals
Audience: Ages 4 to 7
IndieBound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads: A charming picture book about a bear who discovers that to shine in his own story, he just needs to be himself.
When Bearnard gets an invitation to be in a book, it's a dream come true! But as he reads up on what starring in a book might actually entail, he wonders if he's not quite the right bear for the part. With the help of his friend Gertie, Bearnard discovers that to shine in his story, he just needs to be himself. With sweet humor, charming characters, and a gentle message of self-confidence, this is the perfect story for book (and bear) lovers.
Quick Thoughts on the Book:
“Bernard!” said Gertie.
“You tried to float. You tried to make a mess. You tried to let me eat your porridge. Do you know what that makes you?”“What?” asked Bernard.
“Brave,” said Gertie. - Bernard’s Book by Deborah Underwood
I have been a fan of Deborah Underwood’s books for awhile now. However, I think I have a new favorite from her. I read an advanced copy of Bearnard’s Book several weeks ago. And I found myself getting emotionally choked up as I read the story of Bearnard and his friend, Gertie. As I prepared to write this post, I did another read through of the book and even though I knew what was coming, I found myself getting all emotional again. To me, this is the sign of a wonderful book. A book that even upon multiple reads causes the reader to still feel the emotions of the story.
I love how Bearnard, with the support of Gertie, decides to prepare for a book that he is going to be in. He wants to do a good job and so he sets out to “study some other bear books”.
As the reader learns more about Bearnard, we discover how hard he had to work to attempt some of the things he did to prepare for the book. My teacher heart hopes that as Bearnard is shared with students and that they will be inspired by Bearnard’s willingness to try new and difficult choices.
Around this time of year, I begin thinking about books I can read for Read Across America. I have decided to add Bearnard and Gertie to my stack of books for read alouds. I am hoping students love Bearnard and Gertie as much as I do.
Look for Bearnard’s Book by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Misa Saburi at your local indie bookstore or community library.
About the author: Deborah Underwood grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. She is the author of many books for children, including the New York Times–bestselling The Quiet Book. When she’s not writing, you might find her singing in a chamber choir, playing a ukulele, walking around in Golden Gate Park, baking vegan cookies, or petting any dogs, cats, pigs, or turkeys that happen to be nearby. deborahunderwoodbooks.com
About the Illustrator: Misa Saburi was born in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She currently lives in Brooklyn where she illustrates children’s books, including Monster Trucks, written by Joy Keller. misasaburi.com