Another library find for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

The New Bear at School
Written by Carrie Weston
Illustrated by Tim Warnes
Scholastic Press, 2007

Suitable for: Ages 4 and up

Theme/Topic: School, New Kid, Bullies, Friendship

Opening: The day that Miss Cluck said there was going to be a new animal in the class, everyone was very excited.

Brief Synopsis: The new kid Boris, a bear, has a difficult time fitting in at his new school. He’s different than the other children. His size doesn’t help and he scares some of his classmates. When trouble finds the students on their walk home, they discover Boris is just trying to be nice.

Link to Resources: New Kid on the Block lesson. The lesson plans are geared toward older children.  Penny Klostermann shared The Gingerbread Man Loose for PPBF about the first day of school with resources.

Why I chose the book: Tim Warnes illustrations are very lovable. My quick photo doesn’t do justice to the expression on Boris’ face. It’s a sweet book with a powerful message about fitting into new places and with new people. It looks like this book may be called Oh, Boris! in the UK. It also looks like a fifth Boris book will be released in 2013.


To find more Perfect Picture Books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.