Can Bears Ski?

What do our readers think of Can Bears Ski?? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the playful mystery of the question and like seeing a character who wears hearing aids. They also respond warmly to the gentle family support and lively illustrations.

What does the Pageticker team say about Can Bears Ski??

Can Bears Ski? is a warm, perceptive picture book about hearing, misunderstanding and finding your way through a world that does not always communicate clearly. Raymond Antrobus brings real feeling to Little Bear’s experience, whilst Polly Dunbar’s expressive illustrations make vibrations, noise and emotion leap off the page. A thoughtful choice for children aged 3–7 years old.

Genres

What is Can Bears Ski? about?

Little Bear often hears the puzzling question, "Can bears ski?" but doesn't understand its meaning. He feels vibrations when Dad Bear wakes him and notices he misses parts of conversations at school. With Dad Bear's support, Little Bear visits an audiologist and discovers he's experiencing deafness. After getting hearing aids, he realises the question was actually "Can you hear me?" This heartfelt story explores communication, identity, and the journey of understanding deafness.

About the author

Raymond Antrobus is a British poet and author who loves using words to tell stories and share feelings. He is known for his poetry book 'The Perseverance,' which has won awards. Raymond enjoys visiting schools to inspire children and show how poetry can help us understand each other and the world around us.

Discussion ideas around Can Bears Ski?

Mixed-up words: Why do you think Little Bear keeps hearing a question about bears skiing? What might it feel like when words do not sound clear?

Feeling vibrations: Little Bear notices rumbles, footsteps and shakes. What clues help him understand the world around him, and what sounds or movements do you notice every day?

Getting help: How does Dad Bear support Little Bear? What could friends, teachers or family members do to help someone who is finding it hard to hear?

Different ways to communicate: What are some ways people can share ideas and feelings besides speaking and listening?

Being understood: How do you think Little Bear feels when he finally understands what everyone has been asking? Can you remember a time when something confusing suddenly made sense?