Wednesday, July 9, 2014

There, There by Sam McBratney-ESSENTIAL

McBratney, Sam There, There. Illustrated by Ivan Bates.  Candlewick Press, 2013. $15.99. Content: G. 

Hansie is a little bear who loves to explore the world around him.  He sees a duck and wants to try to walk like a duck.  He sees a sand pit and decides to dig the deepest hole ever.  But adventure after adventure, Hansie seems to get hurt.  Each time he is injured, his Dad hugs him and says, “There, there, Hansie.  I’ll give it a rub and you’ll be fine.” And his Dad was right- again and again.  With every mishap, a hug and an understanding ear seems to make everything right again.  When Hansie’s Dad steps on a thorn and becomes injured, Hansie knows just what to do.  He gave his Dad one of his tightest hugs ever and said, “There, there, we’ll be all right now.”  

This is a heartwarming book that shows a unique and special relationship between a father and his son.  There is a fantastic message in this story about how simple actions speak louder than words and how children look to their parents for guidance and example.  We loved the illustrations and the message in this perfect snuggle-time book.  

Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

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