The Bear Essentials (What Is P.B. Bear Doing? - Lee Davis)

Member Name: Lunah_C

Product:	What Is P.B. Bear Doing? - Lee Davis
Date:	12/03/07 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Teaches reading, time and observation . Encourages thought and estimation .

Disadvantages: None

Whether you have heard of Dorling Kindersley or not the chances are that you have one of their books on your shelf. Dorling Kindersley (DK for short) are known worldwide and are leaders in both children and adult titles.

DK was founded by Peter Kindersey and Christopher Dorling in 1974. They originally produced books for other publishers, but in 1978 won a contract with readers Digest to package their books. From then they went from strength to strength. The clear illustrations, easy to understand language and vast choice of titles has led to their success.

A few years back DK branched out into the PC world and brought out a series of educational CDs roms for children. Again another success.

I first heard of DK in the late 90's. My sister in law had invited me to a book party, and being a lover of books, was first at her door. At the time we just had our twins. They were around eighteen months old, and also very keen on books. I came home with a number of books both for myself and the children, and all at good prices. Though the children are now nearing nine, with two younger children they are still on our shelf and in regular use.

This review is about one of the books I purchased, and is also one of my favourites.

~~~What is PB bear doing~~~

This children's book is ideal for young ones. It is approximately 17cms square and is full of bright clear illustrations with a catchy rhyme throughout. The book is hardback, ideal for little ones who still have a habit of chewing, but the inner pages are paper, so also give the sense of a real grown up book. The hard cover also means it stays in good condition over the years.

On the front are the words, Read Aloud, Read Along, Read alone. Over the years I have read this book many times with my children. With such simple repetition throughout, before long they have been reading along with me, and then almost as quickly reading it all by themselves. My youngest has just started school and it is his turn to now enjoy this book. He can read the book along with me but is also able to start picking out words that he has begun to learn.

The idea behind this book is one that all children are familiar with and need so much, routine. The book goes through PB Bears day, hour by hour, discussing what he is doing.

As you would expect the day begins with PB Bear getting out of bed. At the end of each page, the question of what PB Bear will do at that particular time is asked, Telling you the time first and then asking "What will he do?" this is accompanied by the catchy words, "Turn the page and he'll show you."

Each page is illustrated. The pictures are all in photo form and the items in the pictures will all be familiar to children. There is also a clock on each page indicating the time. A number of different types of clock are used which helps children to understand not all clocks are the same. All the clocks are analogue style and all the times are on the hour so a great introduction to time telling.
After breakfast, a healthy one of course, PB Bear goes off to school. At 12 o'clock, it is time for lunch, and judging by PB's face a tasty one at that. PB Bear goes home at 3' o'clock and plays for a little while before having his supper. The day rounds off with bath time and bed at 7 o'clock.

This book has so many possibilities and can lead on to so much more. So even though the story itself is very simple, the children can get so much out of it. It has many benefits, both educational and physical. For a start there is the illustrations. Each picture is a talking point. As I said all the objects are ones that children are familiar with, and can relate to.

The pictures for the mealtimes can help to talk about food that is healthy and good for you. It would be a great opportunity to discuss trying new foods with children who are perhaps less adventurous. Perhaps you could even copy the meals PB has to encourage them.

The other thing is the times. PB Bear eats at 8 o'clock, midday and 5 o'clock. These are sensible eating times and ones that children could easily learn. Children love nothing more than a bit of stability. Also the bedtime is about right. This could be very useful for parents who may be having problems getting their children to bed. They can explain how PB starts to settle down after supper by a nice bath (after neatly folding his clothes on the floor!), and then after getting into his pyjamas, happily goes to bed.

Of course, this is also an excellent introduction to time telling. It did not take much time for my children to pick up how to read the clocks and my sons' nursery was totally amazed when at the tender age of two he announced the time to them. But is was all thanks to PB and DK.

The children enjoy guessing what PB Bear is going to be doing on the next page, and are so delighted when they are correct. This encourages them to turn the page and read on in the story.

And just in case you think you have exhausted the book, there is always the little teddy to find hidden on each page

This book will definitely be on our shelf for a little while yet. And then you never know it may be put away to bring back out for the grandchildren. The book will never date which is always a bonus, and will always have appeal.

I can't remember whether I paid full price or not but the price on the back is £3.99. I have already had over seven years from this book, so it was money well spent.

DK books are available in most bookshops, and book sections of larger retailers. You can also visit the DK website for a look at all the titles they have on offer.

Summary: As PB Bear goes through the day, guess what he will be doing.