Mama Grizzly Bear
Margot Finke, Author
Gloria Gaulke Swan, Illustrator
Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc., October 2012
Suitable for: Ages 6-12 yrs.
Themes: Grizzly Bears, Conservation,Nature, Threats, Protection
Opening/Synopsis: “The great grizzly mama is awesome and wild/She’ll tear you to bits if you threaten her child/With her shaggy coat flying, she hunts down a meal/Her sharp teeth and claws make it look like a steal.” Follow Mama Grizzly bear through the year as she hunts for food, prepares for winter hibernation and gives birth to her cubs. By spring the cubs are ready to play and explore their new world. But, Mama will spend the spring and summer teaching them lessons in survival, foraging for food and fishing.
Why I like this book: Margot Finke is known for her beautiful rhyming picture books. She has written a charming and informative book for children about Grizzly bears. It is a great classroom book to teach children about the North American Grizzly bears. Finke’s goal is to inspire a new generation of children to feel compassion towards animals that are threatened or endangered. She hopes that some day they will want to take an active role in protecting them from their fiercest enemy — man — who cuts down their habitat. The illustrations by the late GLoria Gaulke Swan, are rich and warm in color, and the detail is inviting.
Resources: Margot Finke has created a fun section For Cool Kids at the end of the book where children can find resources on conservation for Grizzly Bears, free Grizzly Screensavers, and Grizzly Bear eCards. The last page of the book is a Word Puzzle. She also has a fun place on her website called Wild US Critters, where children can learn about grizzlies and other US animals.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
This whole package is great! I’ve had a lot of help rhyming with Margot, she’s great.
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This was a lovely book for children! Good bedtime book! Margot is so good with rhyming. Glad you worked with her.
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What a brilliant subject. I am sure that this is a wonderful book and would like to get this for my granddaughter.
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Niamh, Mama Grizzly is a very fun and informative read. I especially liked her resources at the end.
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I do hope bears are less threatened, although we are encroaching on their habitats more and more. Last year a bear swam across the Cape Cod Canal looking for new territory (and full birdfeeders)!
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Margot says that they are moving north because man is cutting down their forests. They aren’t considered endangered yet.
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I love animal books, and books that teach about nature, preserving the environment and taking care of all the precious species that are on the brink of danger. It’s easy for people to feel compassion for cute, non-threatening animals, much harder for animals that are scary or unappealing. I’m glad to see this book stand up for the grizzly. Thanks for sharing!
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Susanna, what a thoughtful post. I believe that was what Margot was showing. She has a great resource on her website. This book is a great discussion book as well as a good bedtime book.
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I like the idea of a rhyming book that teaches. Grizzly bears are a great topic to entice both boys and girls.
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I agree. It is a wonderful library and classroom book.
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I have some of Margot’s books. I like to write in rhyme, too. I like the cover.
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This is the second Margot Finke book I’ve reviewed. I really appreciate her talent. Have some others I’ll be reviewing in the coming future.
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Thanks you all so much for your supportive comments. I think kids retain the facts they learn through rhyming stories far longer than those in straight text. I remember rhyming stories from my childhood, but not much from those dull geography and history lessons.
If you are interested, you can download a FREE “Sneak Peek” inside my 8x latest books – including Mama Grizzly. Samples and covers from each book + a couple soon to be published – http://tinyurl.com/8qw44al
Your kind comments will have me smiling all day!!
Books for Kids – Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
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Margot,
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. Also posted it in GoodReads. Helpful insight for parents about children retaining information through rhyming. I remember as a child and teen making up songs to remember dull history lessons. And, thank you for offering a “Sneak Peek” insided your latests books. I’m sure there will be some who are interested.
Pat
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This sounds great! My kids like animal books and this sounds like one they would enjoy.
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Yes, my great granddaughter is going through a stage of reading a lot of animal books. She’ll get this one for sure. As Margot said, we need to ecourage kids to want to participate some day in their preservation.
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I would love your insights, comments etc on my rhyming books! Please check them out and tell me how I could improve! Jane Mason “Digger Dirt And His Sweet Rewards”, “Sophie’s Barnyard”, and “Sophie Learns To Be A Finisher!”, (this last one is also on I-Pad). Thanks!
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Jane, if you want someone to critique your rhyming books and help you improve, Margot Finke is the person to contact. As an author/editor, Margot has worked with many individuals to help them improve their skills. You can reach her http://www.margotfinke.com. Your books looking fun.
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I have such respect for rhymers! It is an art that is so underappreciated…people don’t realize how hard it is to rhyme well. Margot Finke is a pro. Thanks for the recommendation, Pat!
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Amy, me too. Rhyming is an art and very difficult. She is a pro. Glad you like her latest book.
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Beautiful choice Pat. Margot has such great talent in her books. She makes it look so easy. I must look out for a couple of hers to review.
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Patientdreamer, thank you so much. It would be an honor for me if you reviewesd one of my books. I have 13 out now, with more coming.
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I agree. And she’s an Aussie. She was once your neighbor.
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Kari, Jane. Amy, thanks a whole bunch for your comments and your kind words. You too, Patricia. I so appreciate you introducing Mama Grizzly with such a great review.
Books for Kids – Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
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Another informative and fun story from Margot. I am a huge fan of picture books that educate in an entertaining way about some of the threats our species are enduring. Thanks for the review, Pat.
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Joanna, I knew with your passion for animals that you’d appreciate Margot’s book.
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And I appreciate BOTH of you 🙂
Many thanks for taking the time to comment, Joanna, and Pat for the great review.
Books for Kids – Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
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Margot, I was happy to give your book the exposure!
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Non fiction books with rhyming text keeps everyone in my classroom engaged and happy. I will have to check this out. thanks
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Sandi, I think your students will have fun with it. Great resources at the end.
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I like the cover and the topic! Kids will learn a lot about Grizzly Bears from this!
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Erik, the illustrations are soft and inviting. I think kids will enjoy learning about Grizzly Bears.
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I love rhyming picture books. This one sounds charming.
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Ruth, yes, I know you like rhyming. Margot’s children’s books are excellent. Read her comments below on her thoughts about rhyming and a child’s ability to retain information.
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I like rhyming books and animal books. And I don’t know a lot about bears. So I think this one will be a good one to check out! Thanks!
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I think you will enjoy her book. I hope you read Margot’s comments below about rhyming and a child’s memory.
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I’ve heard great things about this book! It sounds not only like a fun read but a great educational resource too.
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So glad you’ve heard about Margot’s book. It does have great resources.
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Oh boy, oh boy! I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. It sounds delightful, and you know I love rhyme 🙂
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Margot will be pleased Penny. And, it has good classroom resources!
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