Cheer up Bear! (Bad Mood Bear - John Richardson)

Member Name: Krystal

Product:	Bad Mood Bear - John Richardson
Date:	24/02/01 (121 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Story we can all relate to

Disadvantages: None

Bad Mood Bear is a charming book about a teddy bear who isn't very happy - hence the title.

The story begins at bedtime with Bear tucked up cosily in his bed. His mum and dad have said goodnight but Bear can't sleep. He gets out of bed and plays in his room for a while, then feels thirsty so he decides to go downstairs for a drink.

When he appears in the living room, Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa bear are surprised to see him up, and say that he'll be tired tomorrow while giving Bear disapproving looks.

The next morning, as you would expect after a broken night's sleep, Bear is in a very bad mood. He even throws his breakfast on the floor! My 4 year old son looked at me incredulously when I read this bit, because although he sometimes has the odd tantrum he's never thrown food (not yet anyway!)

Bear's mum tries to cheer him up by playing with him in the garden, but he falls off the swing and bumps his head. Then he has another paddy and pokes his tongue out at his grandparents who are watching through the window. His Grandad says that he needs a good smack; again met with a shocked look from my son, as smacking isn't something you read about very often in children's story books.

After a couple more "bad mood" incidents, Bear is sent to his room to calm down and he screams and cries for a while. Mum then brings him some milk and a biscuit, and afterwards he falls asleep. Just what an over-tired bear needs. He wakes later refreshed and happy and is much nicer to be around. He is polite to his family and friends, and says sorry for his bad mood.

This is a delightful little book that even young children can relate to; after all, we're all in a bad mood sometimes aren't we?! My son aged 4 and daughter who's nearly 3 ask for it to be read to them again and again. A real gem.

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