There Are No Bears in This Bakery (Julia Sarcone-Roach)

Title:  There Are No Bears in This Bakery

Author:  Julia Sarcone-Roach

Illustrator:  Julia Sarcone-Roach

Target Ages:  3-9

Genre:  Picture Book

Publisher Summary: 

There was a low rumbling noise in the night.

Muffin is the whiskers of this neighborhood, so she steps out to investigate.

She tracks down the usual suspects—the mice, the raccoons, the bats.

But no, this sound is new.

And the window to the bakery is open.

It’s called the Little Bear Bakery.

But there are no bears there.

Not real bears.

Not ever.

Not usually.

But maybe…?

First Lines:

Each night, the moon rises,

the bread rises, and I rise.

The air cools, and the sounds get interesting.

That’s when the night shift begins.

Memorable Moment:

Suddenly it was

LIGHTS-OUT!

Everything went dark, and I couldn’t move.

I was smooshed, like a muffin between the couch cushions.

Evaluation:

The rich language and endearing illustrations are a delicious combination.  The characters are sweet.  The setting and plot combine a sprinkle of mystery, a dash of suspense, and a pinch of humor. This light-hearted and entertaining book is delight! 

Add There Are No Bears in This Bakery to your must read list!

Also from Julia Sarcone-Roach, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Similes:  Tie this book in with an simile activity or use it as a spring board to discuss them.
• Onomatopoeia:  Students can identify the sound words.  Discuss other night sounds.  As an independent practice activity, fold a sheet of paper in half.  On the front, the student can write a night sound.  Inside, draw a picture of what is making the sound.  Students can share their sounds.  Others can guess who or what is making it!
• Science:  Read about other nocturnal animals or pick one to learn about further. 
• Cooking:  At home, bake an item commonly found in a bakery.  For the classroom, bring in an baked good item to share.  For instance, bring in cupcakes.  Give the student sprinkles and small candies to decorate theirs.
• Art:  Complete an art project where the students create a bear.  Here is an adorable and easy one.  Provide paper plates in big and small to make one or both bears from the story.
• Dramatic Play:  Create or provide puppets of a cat and two bears.  Students can act out the story or new adventures with the characters.
• Irony:  Discuss examples of irony, and explain how they make the story humorous.

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