Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing
“One day Big Bear says to Little Bear, I’m just in the mood for fishing.” Little Bear promptly agrees that he, too, is “just in the mood,” and the bears don their fishing pants, jackets, and boots. “Now they are ready for fishing. Almost.” There are some things fishermen need. Poles, for example, which they load in their wagon. “Now they are ready for fishing. Almost.” Big Bear remembers that fishermen also need “nice, warm blueberry scones,” which they bake together, and “a book with stories.” The bears pull their wagon to the river and climb into their rowboat. They wait patiently, but the fish aren’t biting. Thank goodness the fishermen have brought along scones and a storybook to pass the time. When a fish finally does appear, the bears “look at Fish and Fish looks back. Nobody moves. Nobody blinks.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the fishermen do not manage to catch the fish. But “Big Bear puts his arm around Little Bear. Together they watch the light on the lake. They think about Fish.” Back home, their hammock awaits, promising continued relaxation. With gentle humor, pleasing repetition, and carefully chosen words, this quiet, lovely tale feels like a classic. Little Bear’s imitation and obvious admiration of Big Bear are endearing, and careful readers will realize that quality time together—not catching fish—was always the goal. Highly Commended, 2025 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Erin Stead
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 3-6
Age Range:
Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3)
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Fiction)
Fathers
Patience
Patterned text/Repetition
Publishers:
Holiday House, Neal Porter Books
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780823449750
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Hest