A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear
What’s inside...
Little Bear offers Mama Bear various items to make her feel better, but she's too busy to notice—until he gives her his super, so good, so very special dolly. Silly humor, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia make this a fun read-aloud story. A celebration of the special love shared between mother and child. For ages 3-7. Review snippets praise the intertwining of two generations' perspectives on a bad day, the delightful combination of humor and illustrations, and the story's ability to teach children that adults can have bad days too, making it a wonderful gift for the holidays.
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mama Bear
Baby Bear
Discussion points
How do you think Mama Bear felt when things were going wrong? Can you remember a time you felt the same?
What are some ways we can help someone who is having a bad day?
Why is it important to be kind and patient, even when things aren't going our way?
What could we do differently if we have a bad, mad, sad day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their thoughts and feelings about the book first before discussing it further. This can help them feel more engaged and connected to the story.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss emotions and coping mechanisms. Encourage your child to think about how they deal with their own challenging days.
Connect the story to real-life scenarios. Ask your child to think of times when they or someone they know had a similar experience and how they handled it.
Reinforce the message of empathy by discussing why it's important to support others when they're having a tough day.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through Mama Bear's challenging day, children see the importance of understanding others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize when someone is upset or stressed and how they can help by being kind or giving them space.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Mama Bear faces multiple setbacks but continues to tackle her day with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's okay to have bad days and important to keep trying, enhancing their ability to bounce back from their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Family Support
Explanation: The story shows how the bear family comes together to support Mama Bear, highlighting the strength of family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of supporting family members during tough times, fostering a nurturing home environment.
Example Lesson: Expression of Feelings
Explanation: Mama Bear openly expresses her frustrations, teaching children that it’s healthy to share feelings.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to communicate their emotions effectively rather than bottling them up, aiding in their emotional development.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Mama Bear and her family find ways to improve her day, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and find solutions when faced with difficulties, applying this skill in everyday scenarios.