I have a little problem said the bear

Janisch, H., & Leffler, S (Illus). (2009). “I have a little problem,” said the bear. New York : North-South Books Inc.
2. ISBN #
978-0-7358-2235-1
3. A paragraph describing the book content. (This paragraph is to be in your own words and not simply taken off a bookstore site.)
“I have a little problem,” said the bear is a story where one bear who is afraid of being alone in the dark cave, visits several different people to solve his problem. However, whenever he starts to talk about his problem, people all assume and think they have a solution for the bear before even hearing his problem; except for one fly who truly listens to bear. From the context, each person (inventor, tailor, hatter, doctor, etc...) thinks the bear has a different need based on what they can do for him (wings, scarf, hat, vitamins, etc…), which addresses the issue of perspective that causes predetermination on others. Also, the book shows the importance of the pedagogy of listening by illustrating the frustration of being ignored.



4. A few sentences describing why would you use it for three to five-year olds?
First of all, I would use it for three to five-year olds because I thought children could completely understand the bear’s frustration more than anyone else. As they are reading the story, children will perceive various emotions from the things that are happening to bear because they know how it feels like when no one listens to what they say. As well, the author uses repetition in the beginning and the end of each page, which children would enjoy and love to follow; therefore, this will help children to participate more actively during the story time.

5. A comment on the illustrations should also be included. Example: How are the illustrations made? What medium was used? What mood do they evoke? Why would the children enjoy them? Why were you drawn to them?
This book is illustrated by Silke Leffler, she is a famous children’s product designer of Ikea. The most interesting part of her art is that she uses collage style illustrations by putting bits and pieces of fabrics, cards, calendars, and different kinds of papers. In addition, the each page have very specific and detail background that helps children to understand and explore different settings of the book. For example, there are unique kinds of hats are displayed behind the hatter, various kinds of glasses are hung beside the eye doctor, and also different types of shoes are arranged by the shoemaker. Silke’s illustrations are very attractive and clever; especially the part where she uses a thimble for the tailor’s hat is amazing! I personally love the way she keeps the pencil marks on her drawings because it looks very natural and blends well with the water crayons.

6. How would you build background knowledge or provoke interest for the children in the book before you present it? What provocations would you use? How would you go about using the provocations?
Day 1 – focus on the art of listening (Why is it important to listen to others? through the games and activities children get chance to understand the importance of listening)
Day 2- print out the front cover of the book and post it around the classroom at least for three days (door, desk, board, floor, and window)

7. Provide a detailed description of at least four ways you might present the book – list the props you might use to present the book. If you suggest a felt story, what pieces would be needed? Is there a place you can get the pictures, or felt pieces ready-made?

a) Felt book
For the pieces, I would need bear, fly, face of the town people (inventor, tailor, hatter, doctor, street vendor, eye doctor, shopkeeper, and shoe maker), and objects (wings, scarf, hat, vitamins, chain, glasses, jar of honey, and boots). I will use the felt sheets to create those characters and the objects. The felt book is same as the felt board, but it is foldable and easy to carry.
b) Magnetic story
I need a cookie sheet, and the pieces for the bear, fly, town people, and objects for my magnetic story. In order to make the pieces, I will scan the illustrations from the book and print it out on the magnetic paper.
c) Pocket story
I need a wall hanging organizer, stuffed bear/fly, finger puppets for the people, and plastic toys for the objects.
Hide all the pieces into the pockets and pull it out as I present the story to children, this evoke children’s curiosity and make them wonder about what’s in the other pockets.

d) Stick story
I would draw and colour the characters, laminate them, and put them on the stick. This story can be presented in the puppet theatre, and I would turn off the classroom lights, and use the lamp to illuminate the theatre area only (children will focus more).
What pages would you stop and wonder with the children? Why? What would you wonder? Would you chunk the book? How? Why?
I would stop on the second to last page and wonder with children about the bear’s problem. I would cover up the text side with paper and show the picture side only, and share the ideas together.
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