A Kiss for Little Bear (I Can Read Level 1)
#5 of 91 in An I can read book Series
What’s inside...
In this gentle, humorous Level 1 I Can Read book, Little Bear draws a picture for his Grandmother Bear. Hen volunteers to deliver it, and Grandmother sends a thank-you kiss back. The simple errand turns into a comic game of "pass the kiss" as Cat, Duck, Dog, and Frog each agree to carry it along—until it finally reaches Little Bear and lands, quite unexpectedly, on Hen, sparking a whimsical woodland wedding. Else Holmelund Minarik’s warm storytelling and Maurice Sendak’s iconic pen-and-ink illustrations create a cozy forest world where kindness, gratitude, and community shine.
Character compass
Little Bear
Skunk
Hen
Discussion points
Why did each animal agree to carry the kiss?
How did Little Bear feel when the kiss finally arrived?
What makes a wedding a special celebration?
Tip: Role play these questions
Act out passing an imaginary kiss around the room.
Have your child draw their own thank-you picture for someone.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness comes back to you
Explanation: Grandmother’s kiss journeys full circle to Little Bear.
Real-World Application: Perform small favors without expecting immediate reward.
Example Lesson: Helping makes tasks easier
Explanation: Each animal shares the load of delivering the kiss.
Real-World Application: Offer to carry groceries or tidy classrooms together.
Example Lesson: Celebrating friends’ happiness
Explanation: The forest animals gather for Hen’s joyful wedding.
Real-World Application: Congratulate classmates on achievements, birthdays, or milestones.