The Bear in My Family by Tatsukawa, Maya

An overbearing older sibling can really be a bear, but the child in this understated, gently humorous story finds out that they can have their advantages, too.

"I live with a bear," the story's young narrator declares. The bear is loud, messy, uncouth, and very strong (too strong!). For some reason, his parents treat the bear like family, despite his protests. Why can't they see? Then he runs into some bullies on the playground. When the bear ROOAARS with all her might and scares them away, he realizes that there are advantages to having a bear in the family. In a delightful twist, the narrator's older sister (the bear) appears, telling him that she is NOT a bear. But if she is, HE is too--because two bears are even better than one!

Author: Maya Tatsukawa
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: 03/10/2020
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 10.20h x 8.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780525555827
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 511960 / Bear in My Family

Award: Geisel Medal (Dr. Seuss) - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 11/25/2019
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2020 pg. 120
School Library Journal 02/01/2020 pg. 58
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2020
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2020 pg. 111
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2020 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Maya Tatsukawa is a children's book illustrator and designer residing just outside of Boston. The Bear in My Family is her first book.