Perfect Picture Book: Bear Sees Colors (Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman)

Title:  Bear Sees Colors   

Author:  Karma Wilson

Illustrator:  Jane Chapman

Published Date: 2014

Suitable Ages:  1-6  

Themes/Topics:  colors, rhyme, friendship, forest animals, predicting skills

Opening: 

“Mouse and Bear are walking;

they are chitter—chatter—talking.

So much for them to do.

And the bear

sees…

Brief Synopsis:  Bear and Mouse take a walk through the woods meeting friends and spotting colors all through the forest. 

Links to Resources:

Activity Pages for Bear Sees Colors

Color/Object Cards

Color Songs

Color Activities on Pinterest

6 Games that Teach Toddlers Colors

Why I Like It:  I am a HUGE fan of Karma Wilson’s and Jane Chapman’s picture books. Chapman’s illustrations are always brilliant and vivid while the animals are animated and endearing. She does an outstanding job drawing attention to the focal color as she stays true to the forest setting. Wilson introduces each color with a snappy rhyme that leaves the reader guessing what the color will be. This technique allows the children to make a prediction before turning the page. Parents and educators can help with the guessing by identifying for the listener(s) the key (sometimes slant) rhyming word in the introductory lines (do/blue, ahead/red, bellows/yellow). Some of the colored items on the page are identified in the text. Children can point to them and find others.  At the end of the narrative, the animals all gather for a picnic.  Bear Sees Colors celebrates discovery, colors, and friendship. 

Check out other blogs featuring Perfect Picturebooks at Susanna Hill’s.