Children's storybook
Raise your hand if you agree: kids grow up fast and good times don’t last as long as they ought to.
Sooner or later we come around to the fact that time’s going to fly whether we like it or not, and life’s going to change and the years are going to whoosh by and there’s nothing we can do about it. But, what if we could do something about it? What if, instead of clinging on to our memories, looking back and feeling all forlorn, we passed them on and looked ahead? Like love, memories seem have a way of multiplying and lasting longer when shared, as this little bear discovers in Little Bear’s, Little Boat.
It is a sad day for Little Bear when he comes to the realization that it is his destiny to grow up and his boat’s destiny to stay little. But, a happy little big bear like him can’t stay sad for long, He just can’t. And he can’t bear to see his little boat not fulfill its other destiny of floating around on a beautiful, blue lake.
In this beautifully written picture book, Little Bear comes to terms with his own limitations and those of his beloved boat, but won’t let them stop him from doing what his heart tells him to. He may have outgrown his boat, but his longing to keep his favorite childhood memory alive and his boat afloat leads him to the opposite shore, where another little bear awaits his destiny.
I love this book for many reasons. It’s such a simple and powerful way to communicate the transient nature of life and everything in our world. Accepting that change as the only constant doesn’t come easy, but this beautiful tale shows us and our kids an easy and natural way to let go.
Recommendations:
I think this would make a great book for an older sibling, especially when the parents are expecting or have just had a new baby. Reading and talking about this book is a great way to teach the child to share or pass on his baby crib/toys/blankie to the new brother or sister. I also see it as a great book to read with your child if he has recently experienced the loss of a loved one or a pet or if one of his friends has moved away. Transitions are hard, but acknowledging that there are other, newer experiences in store makes them somewhat easier. I know some kids who get very emotionally attached to a certain house or a teacher and don’t take the move to a new home or a new grade very easily. This book would make a great parting gift in those situations too.
What did you take away from Little Bear’s, Little Boat?
