I Have a Little Problem, Said the Bear

by Heinz Janisch, Silke Leffler (Illustrator)

Overview

The bear has a problem. He asks everyone for help, but no one seems to have time to talk with him. What will it take to get someone to listen to him?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735840942
Publisher:	NorthSouth Books
Publication date:	11/01/2012
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	144,033
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	AD480L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Heinz Janisch was born in Güssing, Austria. He studied German and journalism in Vienna. He has worked for Austrian radio since 1982 and is editor of the series Menschenbilder [Human Images]. He has published countless books for children of all ages and has been awarded many prizes, including the Austrian Prize for Books for Children and Young Adults, and the Bologna Ragazzi Award. He has also been nominated for the German Prize for Children’s Literature. Heinz now lives in Vienna and in Burgenland, Austria.

Silke Leffler was born in 1970 in Vorarlberg and grew up in Holland, Austria, Germany, and Africa. After graduation she did a tailor’s apprenticeship and studied textile design. Since 1998 she has worked as an illustrator for stationery and children’s books. She lives with her family near Lake Constance.

Editorial Reviews

"inviting and fun"

Midwest Book Review

With wonderful collage illustrations and a story that conveys a meaningful message, this picture book will resonate with anyone who doesn’t have someone who will listen to them.

Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

"The ending is hopeful and would be satisfying for children. This story is well told. " Children's Literature

From the Publisher

PreS-Gr 2

Bear has a problem, and everyone he meets offers a solution. The only rub is that no one listens long enough to hear what's really bothering him. As he goes through town, an inventor, a tailor, a hatter, a doctor, and shopkeepers load him down with their remedies. At long last, his true concern-he's afraid of his dark cave-is revealed when he meets a fly who is willing to listen and is looking for a new home. While the story is a little bland, the theme of frustration at not being heard will resonate with young audiences. The charming watercolor illustrations are full of details. This title would work best for one-on-one sharing.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

School Library Journal

"I have a little problem," says the bear to the inventor. "You see, I..." But the inventor doesn't let the bear finish; he knows exactly what he needs: a pair of wings. The now-worried-looking bear goes from shop to shop, each time getting cut off one word earlier in his explanation, each time getting something he clearly doesn't need. Finally, draped about and laden with scarf, hat, vitamins, necklace, eyeglasses, honey and boots, he makes his way out of town, sits down on a hill and sighs. Leffler's muted palette and fine lines eschew exaggerating the situation; rather, they play up the bear's increasing desperation and frustration. When a fly finally listens to the bear, it turns out he is exactly what the bear needs to solve his problem: a friend to keep him company in his cave. The repetitive pattern of the bear's quest might wear, but for the device of the ever-earlier interruptions. This also neatly serves to underscore the tale's message: Take time to listen. A slight but sweet Austrian import. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews