Title: The Biggest Bear

Author: Lynd Ward

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston www.hmhco.com

Publication Date: 1952

Genre: Picture Book

Audience: Prek-2

Awards: The Caldefott Medal

Overview: Johnny Orchard was embarrassed because his barn was the only barn in the whole valley that did not have a big bear skin hanging on it. With no help from his father he decided to take the matter into his own hands and went off to find himself a bear that he could kill and hang on his barn. Although he was in search of the biggest bear in the forest he returned with a small cub. He kept his new friend until he got big and his family made him set him free yet he kept returning to the barn. This book is filled with detailed illustrations which bring the text alive as you read.

Activity: In the classroom this book could be used by having a class discussion about friendships that people make throughout their life. Young students could hold a discussion about why they think that the boy befriended this bear even though everyone around them were afraid of him. This could help them learn valuable lessons on friendships that they may or will be coming in contact with soon.

Reviewer's Name: Kalli Parrish