<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Mama, what's "running away?"
Review: After polar bear Claude's mother puts off giving him a cuddle while she prepares a surprise for him, Claude decides that his mother must not love him anymore. He gathers his toys in a bundle and "runs away" to the backyard. This is when my jaw dropped while reading through this book. I hope neither idea ever occurs to my son and I'm certainly not going to introduce them to him while casually reading a "cute" story. The book doesn't even try to address the problem with either idea, not even adding the message that parents can never stop loving their children. I can't imagine trying to explain this story... "You know, sweetie, running away is when you're unhappy here and you pack up your things and leave our house and find a place to live somewhere else..." Another review provides some comments from the author that this book promotes dialogue, which bewilders me. The mother totally rejects Claude's repeated requests for attention and never acknowledges that she shouldn't have done so. The book also has a pathetic "all's well that ends well" resolution, where Claude's feelings of rejection supposedly all go away because there's a big table of goodies at the end and a "GREAT BIG CUDDLE!" with his mother and Grandma. The problem is not solved through dialogue, and I would argue is not solved at all. The mother's actions are all justified because of the surprise she was planning and Claude's feelings are completely invalidated. The blurb on the back cover that this is a story every mother can relate to is ridiculous, in the sense that that's no basis for choosing a children's book. What every mother knows or should know is that a "great big" anything will never make up for missing all the cuddles along the way. My aunt got this for my 2 1/2 year old, with a copy for herself so she could read it to him over the phone from halfway across the country. The illustrations are really cute, so she thought it was charming until she opened it at home, and was as aghast as we were. For now, we make up a story as we go along to fit the illustrations, which really are lovely. Once [my son] can read, though, it's going in the trash.
Rating: 
Summary: great fun for me and my son
Review: I was recommended this book recently and went looking for it on Amazon and was intrigued to see the 2 schools of thought regarding its content. Some people seemed a bit upset by the story. As a working family I find it an excellent and entertaining way of dealing with the ever present problem of busy lifestyles.
The story is good. I do not believe that the best stories always have to be nice and cosy, although this one still is. In order for a story to work something has to be overcome and within the short space of a children's book I think the issue of a child's expectations versus parental need to get things done is dealt with excellently. If Mom had been able to cuddle him on page one then what kind of story would there have been? Think of all your favorite stories and you will probably find a similar "conflict". I feel the book does promote a dialogue and far from saying that its ok not to cuddle your child, I think it says that sometimes making a huge effort is not as important as the little things, like hugs. We would all love to spend all day long with our children, but sometimes its just impossible. Also I personally love the touch that a half hour might seem like a short time to you but a lifetime to your child. Sometimes we forget that as parents. This book really gets you thinking about you and your child.
As well as liking the story, my son loves the pictures which are adorable and funny. He loves all the small details like asking whats written on the fridge notepad. Coupled with the ever present Mom in the background its obvious what's going on.
Beyond all this its just a lovely book and I would recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: your little one will want a cuddle with this book!
Review: My 3.5 yr old little boy loves this book. Mama Polar Bear is busy making a surprise for Polar Bear Claude but he wakes from him nap and thinks she doesn't love him anymore because she's too busy to give him a cuddle! Little does he know until the end that she is making him a surprise and that his Grandma Polar Bear is coming for a visit. Adorable story - heartwarming illustrations.
Rating:
Summary: My Emma loves it!
Review: My daughter and I both love this book. Both Moms and toddlers can relate to the story. And I think it helps children understand that although their parents might be busy sometimes, they still love them very much.
Rating:
Summary: My Emma loves it!
Review: My daughter and I both love this book. Both Moms and toddlers can relate to the story. And I think it helps children understand that although their parents might be busy sometimes, they still love them very much.
Rating:
Summary: A great book to read with your little one
Review: My three year old daughter always asks me to read this to her. Are you a busy parent who doesn't always have time when your preschooler wants you to play with them? Then you will relate to Claude's mom as she tries to pull off a suprise party for Claude the polar bear. Mom tries to direct Claude to various activities as she attempts to get ready but time goes slowly for Claude who only wants to spend time with his mommy. Eventually Claude gets tired of waiting and when he decides that mom is so busy and she does not love him anymore he runs away to the garden. A happy ending occurs when Claudes grandmother shows up for the party and Claude sees what his mother has really been up to. Busy parents can relate to Claude's mom dilema of having things to do while wanting to spend time with their child while preschoolers can emphasize with Claudes impatience. The illustrations are so adorable and wait till you see what Claude's mom fixes to eat at the party, yum! A great story to enjoy with your child. I recommend it to all.
<< 1 >>
| 
