Blurb

Bear and Duck are best friends, but they are very different. Duck likes to try new things, and Bear ... well, Bear likes not to. ​​

When Duck needs a friend for her dance class, Bear reluctantly agrees. Bear’s big size causes problems at first, but he soon discovers that he might just be a very good dancer. ​​

Bear and Duck is a story about friendship, confidence, and overcoming the fear of trying new things.

The CBCA judges say...

Perfectly pitched to young readers, this gentle story about friendship creates opportunities to discuss fears, challenges and being open to new experiences. The highly accessible text is thoughtfully presented in different ways, with changing size and direction adding interest. The delightful illustrations show movement of the characters and perfectly reflect the text, offering sequences of action and moments to pause and reflect. Rhyming phrases and simple sentences blend seamlessly, with occasional alliteration and a smattering of more complex vocabulary. There is a lovely role reversal in that the bigger, stronger animal is fearful, thus opening the door to important conversations about stereotypes. The satisfying resolution reveals the two friends readying themselves for the next challenge.

Teaching Notes for this book...

Scholastic has generously made teaching notes available for this book on their website.

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