Good Job, Little Bear

Bibliography

Waddell, Martin. Good Job, Little Bear. Ill. by Barbara Firth Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 1999.

Plot Summary

The story begins in the cave where big bear and little bear live. Little bear is anxious to set off and explore the outside world. Little Bear tests his boundaries of what he can and cannot do. He begins by climbing “Bear rock” and when he reaches the top, he begins to fall. However, Big Bear is there to save him and praise him for his good job. Little Bear continues to do other risky activities but Big Bear is always there to save and praise him every time. At the end, they both return to their home and Big Bear reassures Little Bear that he will always be safe.

Critical Analysis

Martin Waddell has written a story representative of parents and their children around the world. The characters in the story, Big Bear and Little Bear are enjoying nature and a time of learning. Barbara Firth illustrated the story using pencil and watercolors. These beautifully done illustrations are relaxing to the eye and add greatly to the story. The expressions on the character’s faces can be seen in parents and children’s faces as they explore the world together. As I read the story, I could picture my own children as the conquered a new task such as climbing a tree, tying their shoes, and throwing a ball. Big Bear is as please as I was when her cub accomplishes new things. The text used in the story is presented in American English with no dialects or cultural inflections to indicate a reference for a particular minority group. This timeless tale about a mother and her child is the perfect bed- time story. Readers will want to read stories about Little Bear.

Review Excerpts

Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, August 1999 (Vol. 95, No. 22))
This picture book in Waddell's endearing Big Bear and Little Bear series follows the two on an expedition to the woods near their home. Little Bear proudly takes the lead, jumping off rocks, falling from a tree limb, and slipping into the stream, with Big Bear always at hand to rescue, comfort, and encourage him. Once again, Waddell tells a simple story portraying a sympathetic young character who has the emotional support of a loving parent. Firth's deft pencil drawings, washed with gentle greens, grays, and tans, depict the characters with warmth and grace. A welcome addition to a dependable series.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 1999)
Big Bear is always nearby to share self-reliant Little Bear's toddler-like exuberance as he explores the forest and to catch him when Little Bear slips off a stone into the stream. Firth's warm pencil and watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the bears' playful and loving relationship. Fans of the earlier books about Little Bear will rejoice to see another installment in this paean to familial love and security.

Connections

Other books by Martin Waddell include:

Little Bear ISBN: 9780744596144

Little Frog and the Dog ISBN: 9780760817292

Owl Babies ISBN: 9781564021014

An interview with Martin Waddell can be found here:

http://www.jubileebooks.co.uk/jubilee/magazine/authors/martin_waddell/interview.asp

Here is an excellent website for helping kids get ready for Kindergarten.

http://www.getset4k.org/default.asp?cat=1&month=5