The Bear in My Family, Maya Tatsukawa
The Bear in My Family, Maya Tatsukawa
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The Bear in My Family

Author: Maya Tatsukawa

Narrator: James Sie

Unabridged: 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/01/2021

Synopsis

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!

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Guilherme on January 26, 2021

Pretty adorable; sibling rivalry... it's been done to death, but there's a fresh spin here. OK, maybe not a fresh spin, but the book's perfectly modulated, carefully constructed: the main character comes around to the presence of his big brother but still holds on to his principles (his imagination)......more

Goodreads review by Emily on February 17, 2022

There's a bear in the family, who is too loud, too strong, and too bossy! But sometimes it's nice to have a loud, strong, bossy bear on your side. A story about older siblings and younger siblings, and it might be a good one to share with both, if there's quite a bit of bossy loudness going on. I al......more

Goodreads review by Tasha on March 31, 2020

A little boy lives with a bear, who sleeps in the room next door. The bear is big, with sharp teeth and strong arms. It runs really fast, is bossy and loud. When the boy tries to tell his family that they live with a bear, they tell him not to be silly and to go play outside. Outside on the swings,......more

Goodreads review by Richie on January 31, 2021

Richie’s Picks: THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY by Maya Tatsukawa, Dial, March 2020, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-525-55582-7 “There was only my sister left. To ask your big sister to be your ally is like asking Nova Scotia to go into battle with you. But I knocked on her door anyway. Loudly, since the Monkees were playi......more

Goodreads review by June on January 27, 2021

A little brother claims his older sister is a bear. However, it is not all bad and he claims to be one too. Maybe 3.5.......more

Quotes

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor
Kirkus Best Children’s Book of 2020
2021 ALSC Notable Children’s Books List

★ “A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Tatsukawa puts a fresh spin on a familiar story . . . that any younger sibling should instantly recognize.” —Publishers Weekly

"Little ones with older siblings in particular will likely appreciate the boy's gradually shifting perspective, as well as the warm portrayal of the multifaceted nature of sibling relationships." —Booklist

"Tatsukawa’s digital art balances off-kilter geometry and soft textures, with our blackish, blockish bear lumbering around, appropriately dwarfing the brother . . . Younger siblings will find this a refreshing change from the many books portraying the new baby as the problematic interloper." —BCCB

"For a debut title, this picture book is very well paced, and nicely emphasizes how even children at odds can connect . . . Simple and sweet. A story that should resonate with siblings." —School Library Journal

"Younger sisters everywhere should relate to our protagonist's point of view—and his eventual realization: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." —Horn Book

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