I enjoyed reading your interpretation/take on the book! I’ve been thinking about the book and your take. I hope it’s okay to bring another perspective…
My aunt recently bought us a copy for my kids (3yo daughter and 6yo son), and I have to say, they are really loving it. (It’s not a beloved childhood book for me, I didn’t really remember it, but it did ring a bell once she started reading it so I’m sure I did read it as a child.) I kind of view it as a children’s book thriller. I think there is a reason thrillers are such a popular genre, and with kids, the stories that seem to capture their imagination too also have that thriller element.
I take the repeated “we’re not scared” as a little self pep talk, a little puffing of their chest, because of course they are! Kind of like jumping into our arms at the pool as we try to get them more comfortable with water. Some things in life, like learning to swim or ride a bike, like facing trauma, like going down the tall slide, like making new friends, like having hard conversations, can feel so scary to kids (especially for my eldest kiddo). My husband and I assure the kids that all feelings fit, and it is okay to be scared. That you can’t be brave without also having those scared feelings. If you weren’t scared, facing the fears wouldn’t require bravery. And their beaming smiles when they choose to face a fear and experience the thrill and pride of facing a fear is one of those big parenting win feelings.
You can see the anticipation, excitement and bit of safe fear building with every rhythmic page that passes (I say “safe” fear for a few reasons- one because the words are juxtaposed with the sweet and serene watercolor illustrations, and two because it is all in the context of a book that they are free to close at any point, it’s not a real life scenario for them.)
Like you, I thought the ending was weird. “We’re not going on a bear hunt again!” Really?? BUT- what do the kids do when they finish the book? They turn it right back to the front cover and read it again, over and over :) My son will pick it up from the shelf and read it to my daughter, and it honestly just melts me.
Thanks for providing a container to analyze/interpret this classic! Always good to question what messages the kids are picking up in the stories we share with them.
This is good. I’m going to have to sit with this letter and take some time. Appreciate your insights 🙏🏼
That’s exactly what I want people to do with it 😊
Thank you for this. Never connected the two together, but now I will never unsee it. It is a good reminder.
Fascinating interpretation. Not ruined. Mind expanded. Thank you
You’re welcome! Love hearing that.
I enjoyed reading your interpretation/take on the book! I’ve been thinking about the book and your take. I hope it’s okay to bring another perspective…
My aunt recently bought us a copy for my kids (3yo daughter and 6yo son), and I have to say, they are really loving it. (It’s not a beloved childhood book for me, I didn’t really remember it, but it did ring a bell once she started reading it so I’m sure I did read it as a child.) I kind of view it as a children’s book thriller. I think there is a reason thrillers are such a popular genre, and with kids, the stories that seem to capture their imagination too also have that thriller element.
I take the repeated “we’re not scared” as a little self pep talk, a little puffing of their chest, because of course they are! Kind of like jumping into our arms at the pool as we try to get them more comfortable with water. Some things in life, like learning to swim or ride a bike, like facing trauma, like going down the tall slide, like making new friends, like having hard conversations, can feel so scary to kids (especially for my eldest kiddo). My husband and I assure the kids that all feelings fit, and it is okay to be scared. That you can’t be brave without also having those scared feelings. If you weren’t scared, facing the fears wouldn’t require bravery. And their beaming smiles when they choose to face a fear and experience the thrill and pride of facing a fear is one of those big parenting win feelings.
You can see the anticipation, excitement and bit of safe fear building with every rhythmic page that passes (I say “safe” fear for a few reasons- one because the words are juxtaposed with the sweet and serene watercolor illustrations, and two because it is all in the context of a book that they are free to close at any point, it’s not a real life scenario for them.)
Like you, I thought the ending was weird. “We’re not going on a bear hunt again!” Really?? BUT- what do the kids do when they finish the book? They turn it right back to the front cover and read it again, over and over :) My son will pick it up from the shelf and read it to my daughter, and it honestly just melts me.
Thanks for providing a container to analyze/interpret this classic! Always good to question what messages the kids are picking up in the stories we share with them.