BOOK REVIEW - What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff by Jack Wiens
Book Title: What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff by Jack Wiens
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 98 pages
Genre: Juvenile fiction/picture book/values & virtues
Publisher: Torchflame Books
Release date: October 15, 2024
Content Rating: G. Specifically for children.
I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Jack Wiens and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
Jack Wiens’ What Bear Said About Life, Love, and Other
Stuff is a delightful blend of humor, wisdom, and warmth wrapped in the
quirky charm of its main character, Bear. This book is more than just a series
of anecdotes. It's a profound exploration of the human condition, seen through
the lens of an anthropomorphic yet oddly relatable bear.
Bear, Wiens’ philosophical alter ego, offers nuggets of
insight into love, friendship, and the everyday trials of life with wit and
candor. Each chapter reads like a conversation with an old friend, lighthearted
yet filled with profound truths that linger long after you finish the book.
Wiens’ writing style is straightforward and conversational, making even the
deepest reflections feel approachable.
The charm of the book lies in its ability to balance levity
with introspection. Bear’s musings are often laugh-out-loud funny, but they’re
also grounded in universal experiences, making them resonate deeply. From
grappling with life’s uncertainties to celebrating its small joys, Bear’s
perspective feels both refreshing and familiar.
This isn’t just a book for those seeking inspiration, it’s
for anyone who appreciates good storytelling and a dash of whimsy. The
accompanying illustrations add to its appeal, bringing Bear come to life.
This easy read should not be rushed. Rather, each chapter
encourages reflection, inviting readers to pause and ponder the lessons hidden
in Bear’s tales.
Whether you’re in need of a mood boost, a bit of
perspective, or simply a comforting read, What Bear Said About Life, Love,
and Other Stuff is a treasure worth exploring. Jack Wiens reminds us,
through Bear’s voice, that life is as simple or complex as we make it, and
always worth savoring!
The boy has a lot of questions—hard ones about love, honesty, grief and loss, prejudice, forgiveness, why we are here, and more.
Bear's wise answers are always offered with compassion and enthusiasm. The friendship between these two is deep, tender, and sometimes fun. Bear's clear, common-sense philosophy of life is a welcome contrast to the complex world our children face today.
On the beautifully illustrated pages, you will also meet Jay, Raccoon, Badger, Elder Moose, and others who add to the fun and adventure.
Walk with Boy and Bear for a while in the woods and see what you might learn about life, love and other stuff.
Jack Wiens has illustrated over 40 children’s books and designed many book covers, a family magazine, curriculum materials and greeting cards. He has also exhibited his fine art in galleries and art shows in Colorado, Missouri and Oregon.
Jack earned a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and worked as a counselor for 34 years in private practice as well as in a hospital inpatient addictions program and mental health centers. He led many workshops on communication, relationships and self-care during his career as psychotherapist.
He lives in Ashland, Oregon, where he enjoys the natural beauty of nearby mountains, lakes and rivers, the creative energy of the community and good friendships. Besides hiking, biking and tennis, a favorite activity is exploring the Oregon coast and whale watching in Depoe Bay.
connect with the author: website
This looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your very thoughtful and kind review of my book, What Bear Said!
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