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Brave Little Bear
From internationally acclaimed picture book creator Steve Small comes a tender story about fear of change and what it means to be brave.
It’s time for Arlo the bear and his family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but he doesn’t feel ready for the big departure from the home he likes just the way it is. Sometimes Arlo wishes he could be brave like his sister, Eva. But when a snowstorm hits and separates the family as they travel through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that being brave when you’re afraid is the bravest brave of all.
It’s time for Arlo the bear and his family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but he doesn’t feel ready for the big departure from the home he likes just the way it is. Sometimes Arlo wishes he could be brave like his sister, Eva. But when a snowstorm hits and separates the family as they travel through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that being brave when you’re afraid is the bravest brave of all.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 24, 2023
About the author
Steve Small
39 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 18, 2023
"Brave Little Bear" by Steve Small is a heartwarming and visually rich children's book that conveys a powerful message about courage and inner strength.
The story follows Arlo, a bear cub, who embarks on a journey with his sister (Eva) and their mother as they move to Spring Valley. Arlo is nervous about moving from his warm den at the end of winter to head to Spring Valley. His sister Eva is more adventurous and carefree. Arlo's mother gives him wise words to help him move forward, despite his fears. As they move through the journey, Eva gets lost in the heavy snow. While typically Eva is the brave one, now, it's Arlo's time to be brave. He finds his sister and together they reconnect with their mom.
The main message of the book is that bravery often arises in moments of necessity and is within everyone, even those who doubt themselves. The illustrations are beautiful and playful. They do a lovely job bringing the characters to life and capturing the emotions both bears felt.
This is a great story for children aged 3 to 6 and imparts an important lesson about finding courage within oneself.
The story follows Arlo, a bear cub, who embarks on a journey with his sister (Eva) and their mother as they move to Spring Valley. Arlo is nervous about moving from his warm den at the end of winter to head to Spring Valley. His sister Eva is more adventurous and carefree. Arlo's mother gives him wise words to help him move forward, despite his fears. As they move through the journey, Eva gets lost in the heavy snow. While typically Eva is the brave one, now, it's Arlo's time to be brave. He finds his sister and together they reconnect with their mom.
The main message of the book is that bravery often arises in moments of necessity and is within everyone, even those who doubt themselves. The illustrations are beautiful and playful. They do a lovely job bringing the characters to life and capturing the emotions both bears felt.
This is a great story for children aged 3 to 6 and imparts an important lesson about finding courage within oneself.
December 3, 2023
Arlo doesn’t think he is brave compared to his sister Eva, but when a winter storm separates them from their mother, Arlo realizes he has more bravery than he thought. Well written and beautifully illustrated, I think Little Brave Bear carries an important theme for young readers.
Thank you Simon Kids for gifting me a copy to review.
Thank you Simon Kids for gifting me a copy to review.
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February 12, 2024The kindergarten students loved this book as a read aloud. You could have heard a pin drop each time it was read in each of the three classes.
October 6, 2023
(3.5) Petit ours est encore tout jeune. Il n’a pas encore connu la fin de l’hibernation. Il ne sait pas ce que c’est de quitter sa grotte, contrairement à sa grande sœur qu’il juge courageuse. Au moment de retrouver la vallée du printemps, petit ours reste toujours en retrait. Jusqu’à ce qu’une tempête de neige dévaste tout et leur fait perdre de vue la petite sœur. Ni une ni deux, petit ours part à sa recherche et comprend enfin que lui aussi peut se montrer courageux ! Une histoire forte sur la fraternité.
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December 4, 2023BRAVE LITTLE BEAR is a sweet picture book about family and what it means to be brave. Arlo, his sister, and his mother are traveling from their cozy den to Spring Valley. Arlo has never been quite as brave as his sister, Eva, but his mother encourages him on their journey. As they climb the mountain, a storm sets in, and with Eva lost, Arlo will need to find his courage to locate her and get them safely across.
What I loved: This was a clever story about courage and what bravery really means. Although Arlo felt like he was not the brave one, he finds that he can dig into his courage when it really counts. In addition to showing bravery in the face of fear, the book also shows the powerful connection of family and siblings in particular. Even though siblings may not be alike, they can still love and care for each other fiercely.
The illustrations captured the emotions and characters well, showing the storm and their journey through small scenes. The text described each step of their journey as well as Arlo's thoughts and emotions along the way. This really pulls young readers into the story. The font was also clear and easy to read throughout, making it a good pick for bedtime or for reading aloud.
As a small note, this might be a little scary for sensitive children as the siblings are separated from their mother during the storm. However, they are following her footsteps to find their way, so it does not feel as though she is too far away.
Final verdict: BRAVE LITTLE BEAR is a sweet picture book story of courage and family that will appeal to preschool and older picture book readers.
Please note that I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What I loved: This was a clever story about courage and what bravery really means. Although Arlo felt like he was not the brave one, he finds that he can dig into his courage when it really counts. In addition to showing bravery in the face of fear, the book also shows the powerful connection of family and siblings in particular. Even though siblings may not be alike, they can still love and care for each other fiercely.
The illustrations captured the emotions and characters well, showing the storm and their journey through small scenes. The text described each step of their journey as well as Arlo's thoughts and emotions along the way. This really pulls young readers into the story. The font was also clear and easy to read throughout, making it a good pick for bedtime or for reading aloud.
As a small note, this might be a little scary for sensitive children as the siblings are separated from their mother during the storm. However, they are following her footsteps to find their way, so it does not feel as though she is too far away.
Final verdict: BRAVE LITTLE BEAR is a sweet picture book story of courage and family that will appeal to preschool and older picture book readers.
Please note that I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 11, 2024
I wasn't personally enamored with this one, it's not super inventive or clever, but I have a hunch this story will really speak to kids (especially kids with siblings) rather than adults who enjoy picture books like me. I would love to get more feedback from teachers/parents to confirm this, however.
I think the two cubs navigating the snowstorm without mom will be borderline scary (in an engaging way) to younger/more sensitive kids. Bravery in the face of separation from your parent is a major concern for kids, and it is handled well in this story.
"Being brave when you feel afraid is the very bravest brave of all."
The text isn't reinventing the wheel, but the illustrations are top-notch, particularly when they're blinded by a snowstorm.
I think the two cubs navigating the snowstorm without mom will be borderline scary (in an engaging way) to younger/more sensitive kids. Bravery in the face of separation from your parent is a major concern for kids, and it is handled well in this story.
"Being brave when you feel afraid is the very bravest brave of all."
The text isn't reinventing the wheel, but the illustrations are top-notch, particularly when they're blinded by a snowstorm.
October 17, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.
Arlo and Eva are bear cubs about to leave their den for the first time with their mother. Eva is excited but Arlo isn’t sure leaving home is the best idea. First, any of the illustrations could easily be artwork on your wall. The gorgeous use of watercolor and white space is stunning and a pleasure to look at while you read. Then there is this sweet story of how to be brave and what bravery even means and all together you get a wonderful book for both parents and kids to enjoy at the start of spring. A wonderful book for any home, library, or classroom.
Arlo and Eva are bear cubs about to leave their den for the first time with their mother. Eva is excited but Arlo isn’t sure leaving home is the best idea. First, any of the illustrations could easily be artwork on your wall. The gorgeous use of watercolor and white space is stunning and a pleasure to look at while you read. Then there is this sweet story of how to be brave and what bravery even means and all together you get a wonderful book for both parents and kids to enjoy at the start of spring. A wonderful book for any home, library, or classroom.
September 5, 2024
Loved this little book about a bear family waking up from winter and crossing a mountain to their new spring home. Arlo is not wanting to move out of his comfy cave. His sister, Eva, feels very brave and wants to go on an adventure. When the family sets out to go across the mountain, Eva is excited and runs ahead. Arlo stays close to Mom. But what will happen when Eva and Arlo get lost in the snow? Will they ever find their way back to Mom? They must learn to be brave even when they are scared. For that is, as Mom says, “The Bravest Brave of all.”
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 178
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 178
November 7, 2023
It's time for Arlo the bear and his family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but he doesn't feel ready for the big departure from the home he likes just the way it is. Sometimes Arlo wishes he could be brave like his sister, Eva. But when a snowstorm hits and separates the family as they travel through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that being brave when you're afraid is the bravest brave of all.
March 5, 2024
Winter is over! It is time for Mama Bear and her two cubs to move from the cave to the valley. But first they have to climb over the mountain. Arlo would prefer to stay in their cozy cave but his sister Eva is ready to tackle anything. Mama assures Arlo that he is very brave. As they are climbing, a snow storm blows in and Eva is separated from Mama and Arlo. Oh no! Will Arlo be brave enough to find Eva and then will the pair of cubs be reunited with Mama? Yes. Yes they will!
March 31, 2024
4 stars (I really liked it)
This was just adorable!
Engaging, beautiful illustrations and a great message about being brave.
The story follows 3 bears - Arlo, Eva and mom. Eva is always ready to try new things while Arlo is more hesitant to change. When Eva gets lost in a snowstorm, Arlo has to be the brave one and rescue her.
"Being brave when you feel afraid is the bravest brave of all."
This was just adorable!
Engaging, beautiful illustrations and a great message about being brave.
The story follows 3 bears - Arlo, Eva and mom. Eva is always ready to try new things while Arlo is more hesitant to change. When Eva gets lost in a snowstorm, Arlo has to be the brave one and rescue her.
"Being brave when you feel afraid is the bravest brave of all."
December 23, 2023
Another creation by Steve Small, an award winning illustrator. This adorable picture book will warm your hearts as you read about Arlo and his sister Eva and his mom as they begin heading out from their winter den to their summer home.
Unlike Arlo, Eva always seems so brave, but when they lose sight of their mom during a late season snowstorm, it is Arlo who saves the day. ❤️
Unlike Arlo, Eva always seems so brave, but when they lose sight of their mom during a late season snowstorm, it is Arlo who saves the day. ❤️
May 15, 2024
Great story about bravery ("Being brave when you feel afraid ... is the very bravest brave of all"), family, confidence and perseverance. A great melding of story, text placement, and font. The rounded illustrations of characters evoke a softness that makes you feel the snow! A lovely book for reading aloud.
November 25, 2023
Sweet story of the bear family leaving their den at the end of winter and walking to Spring (valley). Arlo has trouble trusting and following and when he finds his sister lost and alone, they both follow Mama bear's footprints and hurry to find her.
February 27, 2024
A story two young bears, Arlo and Eva, and their mama, moving to another place. I love how the baby bears are illustrated: very kawaii. Suitable for preK+, any younger and you'll want to consider shortening it (just too much text).
Themes: bears, courage
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2023
Themes: bears, courage
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2023
July 15, 2024
As the hibernation season ends, a bear clan leaves the safety of the den in search of the bounty of spring in the valley. Beautiful artwork accentuates the bravery of both cubs as they weather a late winter storm in their first real test of courage.
October 4, 2023
"Being brave when you feel afraid," she said, "is the bravest brave of all."
October 15, 2023
3.5. Cute illustrations
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October 25, 2023Cute illustrations, but I think they left their home too early!
November 5, 2023
Arlo wishes he could be brave like his sister, Eva.
November 15, 2023
Love the illustrations, love the story.
November 24, 2023
I loved the words of the wise Mother Bear ~ "Being brave when you feel afraid.... is the very bravest brave of all."
November 28, 2023
This is a cute picture book about bravery and helping those around you. Bears are cute. It's solid, but it isn't reinventing the wheel. I do love the textured jacket, that is excellent.
December 13, 2023
BRAVE LITTLE BEAR is a really cute story about winter hibernation ending, facing changes, and being brave even when you're scared. Absolutely darling illustrations.
February 12, 2024
I loved this. The cubs are absolutely adorable!
March 8, 2024
My little cricket: “That was a really good story.”
March 8, 2024
A cute story with the sweetest art!
March 25, 2024
Cute story but too long
October 14, 2024
A bear cub is brave during a snowstorm.
November 10, 2024
Some beautiful illustrations accompanying a short story about a family of bears getting caught in a snowstorm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews