Some things are hard, and they take time to do right. In the second book in the series by Ryan O’Connor, Bobby the Bear teaches his friend Ollie the Owl an important lesson on perseverance using the skills of patience and cooperation. Bobby the Bear books focus on the themes of kindness, respect, positivity, and helping your neighbors. In each story, Bobby guides his forest friends through life’s trials while learning some lessons of his own along the way.
Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
We first met Bobby and his forest friends in Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise, book one in the adorable series. We watched animal friends band together to throw a surprise birthday party for their dear friend, Bobby. In Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest, book 2 in the series, Bobby returns the nice gesture and lends a helping paw to his crying friend – Ollie the owlet.
Ollie is in tears because he desperately wants to make a special nest for his sister, but his structions keep breaking. Bobby, being a good friend, offers his assistance. He has never built a nest before but is willing to learn. He understands how important the nest is to Ollie; it’s a thank-you gift to Olive for all the times she’d helped her sibling. Ah, what a sweet, loving gesture!
Bobby and Ollie’s first nest was not a success, which caused Ollie to break down in tears again. Bobby’s comforting words were perfect: “Never give up on something. Some things are hard to do and take many tries to get right.” He also mentioned how it took him five attempts to make it his first bed. Bobby’s correct; we should learn from our mistakes and try again. In the case of the nest, Bobby problem-solved on how to make the nest’s base sturdier. Of course, the two friends continued efforts led them to a secure nest that could hold Ollie and his sister. Success at last!
Happy smiles were all around after the big unveil, and Ollie realized the importance of never giving up. Kids will also learn the value of hard work and the feeling of accomplishment. Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest shows the power of kind gestures with its sweet storyline and illustrations. It’s also a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance and the rewards it can bring.
The synopsis states there are free activities and exercises. I didn’t have an opportunity to examine them (I received a free reviewer copy), but I still suggest taking advantage of the free resource material!
Extended activities: Nests are made of different materials. Have your family or class explore birds and the material each uses for their nests. Gather material and build a nest; see which nest can hold the most weight before its base collapses.
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: 
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