AR: 3.1

00000353

In my opinion this is a good book for children. It has good illustrations that are dramatic and engaging for readers. They are vibrant and playful, which I is actually fun for both the reader and any adults reading as well. I think this is a good thing, especially for new readers, because it shows them that good books can be fun and entertaining. I also like the language the author uses. Its simplistic enough to be understood by young students while still keeping its integrity as a good book. The plot is relatable for students, most of them will know what watermelons are, what stealing is and what it feels like to want to fit in. When the one bear dares the other to steal a watermelon, he mentions how its "a yucky feeling to do something yucky". Any reader who has ever experienced something similar could automatically relate to this since it is a feeling of guilt. I also like how how the characters are animals, this eliminates any bias regarding demographics. The message of this story is to not give into peer pressure and stand strong as an individual. ( )

sister bear has her rope taken by bullies and her brother goes to get it back. the bullies made fun of brother bear and dared him to steal a watermelon. brother bear does it but ends up getting in trouble. he tells the farmer all about it and eventually one of the bullies dads yelled at the bullies for being mean.
1 book

I liked this book for two reasons. First, the idea of peer pressure is something that all readers can relate to. In the book, Brother Bear knows that stealing is wrong. However, his desire too be considered cool by Too-Tall and his gang over takes his morals and he goes for it. This is very good for readers to think about, what might they do because of peer pressure, or what they may have pressured someone else into doing that is wrong. Second, I liked the Illustrations. The world is very nicely drawn and you get a clear sense of the setting that the bears live in. The expressions of the characters are also done very well. You clearly see Brother's discomfort as he attempts to steal the watermelon, plus the mockery of Too-Tall and his buddies as they pressure him. Overall this book is very good, from its relateable protagonist, to the trouble making antagonists, and a great central idea of moral strength verses peer pressure. Something that is very crucial for kids to learn. ( )