Books like this are so
important, children with hearing difficulties need
to see themselves represented in the books that they
read and in Boy Bear they have a wonderful character
who has challenges that they will be able to relate
to.
Despite Dad Bear’s very loud voice, everything is quiet in Boy Bear’s world. He doesn’t mean to be rude but sometimes he doesn’t respond to his friends when they talk to him and he is not always sure what his friends are laughing at. In school, he knows to sit at the front of the class but even then he can not always hear all of the words that his teacher is saying. It often sounds like everyone is saying the same thing to Boy Bear…”Can bears ski?” But surely this can not be right. Hopefully a trip to a special lady can help Boy Bear find out what everyone is really saying to him… Can Bears Ski? is a
gentle portrayal of one lovely little bear who is
struggling to hear the world and everyone in it
clearly. Boy Bears loves his loud, colourful
clothing and embraces everyday with enthusiasm but
something is missing. Told from Boy Bear’s
perspective, he narrates his difficulties of hearing
others. From taking cues from the sound he feels
rather than the sound he hears, the social
awkwardness of group conversations where he js
unable to detect everything that is being said and
knowingly join in with the laughter, to only hearing
bits of conversations and the pitfalls of
unintentionally coming across as rude.
Everything is
explained in a simple and light-hearted way whilst
all the time educating readers on the challenges
that Boy Bear has. It shows children who can help
those with hearing difficulties and introduces them
to audiologists, hearing tests and audiograms. This
is then nicely followed up with finding ways to
improve hearing difficulties with Boy Bear receiving
support from a hearing therapist, lessons in
lip-reading and plastic ears (hearing aids). Other
tips are included in the narrative as Dad Bear makes
sure that he gets down to Boy Bear’s level, looks
directly at him and speaks slowly and clearly. The
whole book is beautifully illustrated with plenty of
cute bears.
A wonderfully insightful read and is perfect for developing empathy and understanding. This gentle and informative exploration of what the world can be like for a child with hearing difficulties will be welcomed by parents and provides comfort and reassurance that they are not alone. Recommended for 4+. |
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