The Girl Who Speaks Bear
By Sophie Anderson
When Yanka wakes with bear legs, she must brave the Snow Forest to discover who she really is.
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.36
From 11 readers
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What does the Pageticker team say about The Girl Who Speaks Bear?
The Girl Who Speaks Bear is a richly imagined, wintry adventure packed with Russian folklore, talking animals and a heroine who is gloriously too much for one small village. Sophie Anderson balances peril and wonder with thoughtful questions about identity.
Genres
What is The Girl Who Speaks Bear about?
Twelve year-old Yanka, known as 'Yanka the Bear' for her unusual size and strength, has always felt out of place in her village. Found as a baby in a bear cave, she longs to uncover her true origins. When she awakens one day with bear legs, Yanka embarks on a perilous journey into the Snow Forest, accompanied by her loyal weasel, Mousetrap. Along the way, she encounters magical creatures, uncovers ancient legends, and discovers the power of friendship and self-acceptance.
About the author
Sophie Anderson is a much-loved author from the UK who writes magical adventure stories inspired by fairy tales and folklore. Her books, such as 'The House with Chicken Legs' and 'The Girl Who Speaks Bear', take readers on exciting journeys filled with wonder and friendship. Sophie loves exploring nature and sharing enchanting tales with children everywhere.
Discussion ideas around The Girl Who Speaks Bear
Feeling Different: Yanka is known as ‘Yanka the Bear’ because she is tall and strong; how do you think this nickname makes her feel, and when can being different become a strength?
Finding Belonging: What makes somewhere feel like home for Yanka, and what do you think people need in order to feel that they truly belong?
Loyal Friends: How do Mousetrap and Yanka show loyalty to each other, and what qualities make someone a good friend?
Stories And Truth: The Snow Forest is full of legends and old tales; how can stories help people understand their families, their past or the world around them?
Judging Others: Why do the villagers make assumptions about Yanka, and how might life change if people took time to learn someone’s real story?
Pages
350 pages
Reading age
Junior (8-13)
This edition
2019
First published
2019
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