Horrible Bear!

Author: Ame Dyckman

Illustrator: Zachariah OHora

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Year: 2016

ISBN-13: 978-0316282833

In Horrible Bear, Bear accidentally breaks a little girl's kite, but she's upset anyway, upset enough to shout "HORRIBLE BEAR!" Bear  doesn't think he's horrible! Then Bear gets a truly Horrible Bear idea. As Bear prepares to live up to his formerly undeserved reputation, the girl makes a mistake of her own, and realizes that maybe, just maybe Bear isn't as horrible as she had thought.

This picture book is an excellent example of the pictures and illustrations working well together to bring meaning. The illustrations, even from the start with the special end pages, reel the reader in and hold attention throughout the story.

School Library Journal:

"Molly Bang's Sophie finally has a worthy shelf-mate for absolutely spot-on characterizations of mood. VERDICT: Highly recommended for picture book collections." 

For gifted elementary students, this book presents a great example of how accidents happen and the value of saying "sorry." I would especially recommend this for students who hold so true to their sense of justice that they make accusations before understanding the situation as the girl did in this story.

This book makes for a great read aloud to younger students about manners and understanding each other. It also serves as an illustration for older elementary students who need help learning how to accept others' mistakes.