Little Bear's Little Boat by Eve Bunting illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

Tuesday Treasure

It's a beautiful tale to read with the very youngest book fans, regardless of whether they're worried about outgrowing their metaphorical boats or not. Who wouldn't want to float on Huckleberry Lake with Little Bear? BookBag

If I was making a shelf of books for a young child I would certainly include Little Bear's Little Boat. This is a book about growing up, about changes and about generosity.

"It is little bear's destiny to grow and grow until he is BIG BEAR. It is a little boat's destiny to stay the same size."

Little bear loves rowing his boat on Huckleberry Lake. He catches fish and basks in the sun. Over time, though, little bear grow bigger and eventually he is too big to fit into his little boat. He really wants someone to use and enjoy his boat so he goes in search of a another little bear. He happily gives his little boat to the young bear but he explains:

"The little boat will stay the same size because that is its destiny. When that happens you must find a another little bear to fit into the little boat. Because it is also a little boat's destiny to keep sailing on a blue blue lake. Will you promise?"

I would pair this book with Puffling by Margaret Wild. I would also read it alongside Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman. You might also look at the beautiful series of books about Big Bear and Little Bear by Martin Waddell.

Here is the sequel to Little Bear's Little Boat - Big Bear's Big Boat.