CLIP Review: Thank You Bear

Author & Illustrator:  Greg Foley

Ever hear the words, "Look at the treasures in my pocket!" from a child?  And then out spills a shiny rock, a feather, a broken plastic toy or similar items of seemingly useless value.  But the joy with which these items are lined up, fondled, and stuffed so carefully back into a pocket makes us realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Thank You Bear is a story for anyone who ever thought they had a great treasure.

Little Bear is sure he indeed does have something great. It is a little box - and he cannot wait to share it with his friends.  Convinced that they also will be in awe with his box, he sets out.  His encounter with Monkey leaves him with, "That's not so great." Fox tells him he's holding it the wrong way. With each meeting Bear becomes more discouraged until he begins to wonder if his treasured box is a treasure after all. By the time his dear friend Mouse comes along and finds Bear sitting mournfully staring at his little box, Mouse reacts as a true and faithful friend always does.

If you have a true friend that you would like to say "Thank You" to, this book is the perfect gratitude book to send.  C'mon, this book is WAY better than giving them a shiny rock, a feather or a broken plastic toy!  (It also comes in a miniature paperback version all ready to mail with an envelope flap for about $5.00.)

Mary Byrne Kline