My name is Bear by Nicola Killen

"Once there was a bear called Bear, 

who had just moved to a new home."

Bear sets off to introduce himself to his new neighbours. Bear has no idea about the other animals that live in the world. He has an egocentric idea that his name is the best name in the whole world so when Bird and Fish say hello he declares their names are just silly. In the corner of the page a little worm adds an appropriate commentary - "how rude" he says.  The next neighbours are snail and tortoise. Bear comments that these names are silly. The little worm says "This bear has such bad manners!". Things get even worse when he meets an elephant.

"What? Smelly pants?' laughed Bear."

Bear is, however, not prepared for the next neighbour. It is another bear and her name is Bear. Our original bear screams and throws an enormous tantrum. How can someone else have his own beautiful name. The new bear suggests a compromise. The discuss a few ideas but finally decide they can share the name and "they celebrated with a big bear hug!"

The two bears now set off back through the neighborhood with Bear apologising for his initial rudeness. Everything seems be settled. All the animals of the forest are happy UNTIL, a few days later, a new neighbour arrives. He looks like a bear.  "Hello ... my name is ... "

This book is such fun. I am so glad I have discovered it. A perfect book to share with a preschool child aged 3-5.

Ideal for little ones who are going to preschool for the first time or learning to play with others, this funny story introduces children to key themes such as sharing, manners and learning to accept others as they are. Egmont

I am talking to a group of preschool parents about reading to children.You may recall I did this at the end of last year. This means I have begun to collect more titles to share with this group and with you.