Ryan O'Connor

“We all want to win, but we must never cheat.” In a world growing ever more competitive, people sometimes will do anything to win, even if it means sacrificing a friendship. In the third book in the Bobby the Bear series, Bobby the Bear and the Great Race explores the important themes of sportsmanship and integrity. Bobby and his forest friends decide to hold a community-wide race to find out who is the fastest animal in the forest, and the event turns dramatic. Tanya the Tiger learns in a showdown with Rachel Rabbit that winning is not always the most important thing. The results of the race will prove that playing fairly and honestly is the way to preserve trust in a friendship.

“I can’t do it!” It’s a sentiment that has been expressed by many children. The idea or belief that you can’t do something can ruin confidence in a student. In Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest, readers explore the theme of persistence alongside Bobby. Ollie, a baby owlet, is trying to build a special nest for his sister, Olive. After failing at the task, however, Ollie throws a tantrum. He is overheard by Bobby the Bear, a big brother and mentor to many of his forest friends, who attempts to console his little friend. Bobby explains that we do fail at times, but that it’s okay. He encourages Ollie to not give up and not allow adversity to defeat him.

Bobby teaches children not to give up when adversity strikes. He also teaches others to be patient and kind when helping someone who is struggling with failure. Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest explores the common theme of persistence and, at the same time, touches on the theme of patience. The story fits into the overall theme of the series which is to help guide students to be kind and respectful towards themselves and others.

“Surprise! Happy Birthday!” It is a great feeling to be surprised for any special occasion, especially for children. That feeling of surprise is something that can last a lifetime. In Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise, readers can explore the important theme of friendship. Bobby, the protagonist of the series, happily wakes up on his birthday, excited to share the day with all his friends at their favorite hangout spot, the lake. On the way to the lake, Bobby stops by the house of several of friends, who are not home. He finally makes his way to the lake and waits for his friends to arrive. After a lengthy wait, Bobby begins to think his friends forgot about him and his birthday.  Feeling sad and alone, Bobby returns home to receive the best birthday surprise—all his friends are there to celebrate his birthday!

The story Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise delves into the importance friendship plays in our lives, especially for children. The story shows that our friends will always be there for us, even when we think we are alone, and it fits into the overall theme of the series which is to help guide students to be kind and respectful towards themselves and others.