A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 213

Picture Book: Bear Says Thanks                   

Author: Karma Wilson

Illustrator: Jane Chapman

Summary: Bear is feeling bored and missing his friends. He decides to have a feast, but his cupboard is bare. Coincidentally, mouse comes by and brings him a huckleberry pie. Bear says, “Thanks!” A series of animal friends come next, each bringing foods to share. Eventually Bear says, “Wait!” and confesses that his cupboards are bare. His guests reassure him that there is plenty of food to share and besides, Bear can share his stories. As they settle in for a good time and good food, all the animals say, “Thanks!”

Hanna’s Comments: This rhymed and delightful text of sharing and feasting will motivate you to invite folks over for a meal and stories. Hospitality is a spiritual practice that is often found in the scriptures. As the fall and winter holidays draw near, be sure to be thankful to those who invite you into their homes and consider doing the same.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Amateur videos are on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, anxiety/worry, blessings, communion/Eucharist, companionship, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, friends/friendship, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, goodness, grace, gratitude/thanksgiving, humility, manna, neighbors, pleasing God/the Shema, possessions, presence, reassurance, at table

Scripture Connections: Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you (Exodus 16:4); contribute to the needs of the saints and show hospitality (Romans 12:13); show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a lesson with members of your family of faith on God giving manna, hospitality, or the importance of gathering around food and stories. Connect this idea with the many times God demonstrates and encourages hospitality in the Holy Scriptures.