Bear’s Big Idea by Sandra Nickel, Illustrated by Il Sung Na

Bear’s Big Idea
Author: Sandra Nickel
Illustrator: Il Sung Na
Published September 10th, 2024 by Carolrhoda Books

Summary: Fish always has great ideas for what to do! When it’s Bear’s turn to think of something, she promises she’ll have a brand-new BIG idea. But where do ideas come from?

The creators of Big Bear and Little Fish reunite for this sweet story of friendship, ingenuity, and a surprisingly epic adventure!

“A winning tale of friendship and creativity unleashed.” —Kirkus Reviews

About the Creators:

Sandra Nickel is the author of picture book biographies about the inventor of nachos (Nacho’s Nachos), the discoverer of dark matter (The Stuff Between the Stars), and the first woman meteorologist (Breaking Through the Clouds). She is the winner of a Christopher Award, the winner of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author. Sandra has an MFA in writing for children and young adults and has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. When at home in Switzerland, Sandra loves summer sledding, sploshing in puddles, and listening for ideas in the wind. To learn more about Sandra, and to download free curriculum materials and activity sheets, visit https://sandranickel.com/.

Il Sung Na was born in Seoul, South Korea. He writes and illustrates picture books, including A Book of Sleep and The Dreamer, and he also illustrates the work of other authors, such as My Tree by Hope Lim and Beautiful Noise by Lisa Rogers. Currently based in Kansas City, Il Sung spends his time teaching illustration courses and working on new books. Instagram: @ilsungna

Instagram
Sandra Nickel: @sandranickelbooks
Il Sung Na: @ilsungna
Carolrhoda/Lerner: @lernerbooks

Facebook
Sandra Nickel: @sandranickelauthor
Carolrhoda/Lerner: Lerner Books

Twitter/X
Sandra Nickel: @senickel
Carolrhoda/Lerner: @LernerBooks

Review: Bear and Fish are a great addition to duos in picture books, which is my favorite trope because with the dichotomy, readers are more likely to connect with either, feel accepted, and learn the lesson shared within the book. In this one, Fish is full of ideas, but when it is Bear’s turn anxiety about letting down Fish overwhelms her. But Bear, with patience and support and time to think, gets there and the day ends up being such a success.

Na’s illustrations are a great support for Nickel’s tale of supporting friends and finding creativity because they colorfully bring it all to life.

Trailer:

Author’s Appearance on KitLitTV:

Discussion Questions:

What is your favorite way to brainstorm?
Bear struggles to get to sleep because she is struggling with coming up with an idea. What are some strategies to help relax your brain and body and help you sleep?
How does Fish support Bear well?
How are Bear and Fish similar? Different?
Why does Bear feel so much pressure?
Is taking old ideas and twisting & changing them make it a new idea?

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