Generous Finding

Picture Book: Found

Author & Illustrator: Salina Yoon

Summary: This simple but profound story begins with Bear finding a very special toy bunny. 

Bear believes someone must be very unhappy and worried because the bunny is lost. Besides, it seems sad too.

Bear takes the toy home and determines to help the bunny return.

Bear creates a generous number of fliers 

and spreads them for his neighbors to see. 

Bear also checks out a nearby collection of notices of lost treasures. He's surprised by how many are lost. No bunny is listed among them 

so he keeps searching high... 

and low for possible owners.

Meanwhile, Bear grows quite attached to the bunny who no one is claiming. 

Bear and the bunny have many days of fun together. 

 On one of their fun outings, Moose approaches 

 and recognizes Floppy. 

 Bear has mixed feelings but knows Floppy is not his. 

Floppy is now home in Moose's arms. Bear says goodbye to Floppy.  

Then Moose has a very wise change of heart. 

Moose realizes many days have passed and some things have changed for Moose, Floppy, and Bear. 

Moose asks Bear to promise to take care of Floppy. Bear's response?  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect PBT book for very young children, but if you can find a version that is not a board book, read it to older audiences for the underlying messages are many and rich with meaning. You could talk about tenderness with those who are lost, gentleness, empathy, treasures, ownership, legacy, and generosity which is in every page of this book. There is even a God symbol here as most illustrations include a lone witness in the form of a small yellow bird who is watching Bear be so generous with his time and efforts. Also, point out that Bear is quite the problem solver, so proactive and tireless, and he never names the bunny but refers to it as Floppy as soon as the owner does! Salina Yoon says this book was inspired by lost and found posters in her neighborhood. Be sure to carefully look at the notice board in the illustrations. I especially like Yoon's Penguin series (also in board book form). [Here's] a Christmas book in that series that I've featured in a PBT post about December holiday books. If you want a great picture book about being lost, I highly recommend Baby Bear by Kadir Nelson. Find it at PBT [here]. 

Original Publisher & Date: Bloomsbury, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about generosity, The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40); Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be (Matthew 6:21); the lost parables (Luke 15:1-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children and talk about the spiritual practice of generosity as demonstrated by Bear and Moose or talk about what it means to be lost, found, or at home.