Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
Categories
Children’s picture books

THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY

Maya Tatsukawa

An overbearing older sibling can really be a bear, but the child in this understated, gently humorous story finds out that they can have their advantages, too.

"I live with a bear," the story's young narrator declares. The bear is loud, messy, uncouth, and very strong (too strong!). For some reason, his parents treat the bear like family, despite his protests. Why can't they see? Then he runs into some bullies on the playground. When the bear ROOAARS with all her might and scares them away, he realizes that there are advantages to having a bear in the family. In a delightful twist, the narrator's older sister (the bear) appears, telling him that she is NOT a bear. But if she is, HE is too--because two bears are even better than one!

Selling points:
Sibling story with a turnabout: This book is from the younger sibling's point of view, relating how hard it is to have a bossy older sister.
Charming newcomer: Elegant, spare design, fresh spring-color palette, and simply drawn characters imbue the pages of this young picture book with cheeky charm.
Bears!: Bears are always popular picture book subjects. This one is revealed to be ornery and exasperating, but also protective and fun to hug!

Maya Tatsukawa is a children's book illustrator and designer. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, and now resides just outside of Boston. The Bear in My Family is her first book.

Available products
Book Published 2020-03-01 by Dial Books for Young Readers

Comments

Little ones with older siblings in particular will likely appreciate the boy's gradually shifting perspective, as well as the warm portrayal of the multifaceted nature of sibling relationships.

THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY is a Kirkus Best Children's Books of 2020

Tatsukawa puts a fresh spin on a familiar story... that any younger sibling should instantly recognize.

Chinese (simpl.): Ginkgo ; Korean: Kidsschole

For a debut title, this picture book is very well paced, and nicely emphasizes how even children at odds can connect... Simple and sweet. A story that should resonate with siblings.

A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships.

Younger sisters everywhere should relate to our protagonist's point of view - and his eventual realization: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

atsukawa's digital art balances off-kilter geometry and soft textures, with our blackish, blockish bear lumbering around, appropriately dwarfing the brother... Younger siblings will find this a refreshing change from the many books portraying the new baby as the problematic interloper.