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Pirate Bear Hardcover – August 15, 2019

4.9 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

2019 Children's Literary Classics Book Awards Gold Winner x2: Adventure and Best Illustrator

Meet Pirate Bear, a gruff and tough pirate who loves to bully other creatures. He never considers the feelings of others and always does whatever he wants.

One day, he meets a little kitty cat.

Will Pirate Bear change his ways after meeting this furry little companion? Or will he continue to bully the bunnies and crocodiles?

*****

This truly heart-warming tale is not to be missed and will make a superb bedtime story for children of all ages due to its high-quality imagery and rhyming storyline that will delight generations as they read it together. - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

*****

Pirate Bear is a perfect read for bedtime and storytime at home or at school for children ages 4 (preschool), 5 (kindergarten), 6 (Grade 1), 7 (Grade 2), 8 (Grade 3), and 9 (Grade 4) as well as for any child who loves pirates and animals.

This book is also excellent for early readers as they sound out the rhymes and follow the gentle rhythm of words.

Teachers and parents will appreciate the flowing rhymes, attention-grabbing pictures, and gentle lesson about treating others with kindness and respect.

Get this award-winning book today!
Discover teachers' picks. Discover%20teachers%27%20picks.


From the Publisher

Can Pirate Bear Learn to Be Kind?

pirate bear gift present sonya annita song rhyming rhymes picture kindness birthday school children

Even the most prickly bears can have a soft interior, and sometimes we do things simply because we can. Pirate Bear is a story about unlikely friendships, questioning one's own actions, and learning about kindness.

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Rhymes Enhance Reading Pleasure

pirate bear gift present sonya annita song rhyming rhymes picture kindness birthday school children

The Importance of Rhymes

Rhyming books are important for young children for many reasons:

  1. Rhyming aids in teaching children how language works. Rhymes help children identify and assimilate the sounds within words and develop phonological awareness.
  2. Rhyming helps children develop a musical ear. When you read a rhyming book, you will notice the musical quality and cadence of the rhymes. This helps teach children rhythm, as well as to appreciate the musical nature of poetry.
  3. What do we know about rhyming books? They rhyme! This can help children anticipate the rhyming word that will come next and prepares them for another important reading skill: making predictions.
  4. Since rhymes are so much fun, rhyming books can add joy to the often challenging and intimidating task of learning to read.

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Once a Bully, Always a Bully?

pirate bear gift present sonya annita song rhyming rhymes picture kindness birthday school children

Even Bullies Can Change

In this book, the bunnies and crocs are scared of Pirate Bear because he bullies them a lot. They have never stood up to Pirate Bear before, and Pirate Bear has never questioned his own behavior, only knowing that his behavior gives him the results he wants. This changes one day when he finds something he values, and he needs the help of others to find it, but to his shock, they refuse to do so.

This is a story about learning to be introspective, examining one's own behavior and the effect it has on other people. It is also about how Pirate Bear has never been stood up to before, so he has never had to question his actions. But what else can he do other than yell and threaten? Is there something he has never tried before that could be even more effective?

On the flip side, the bunnies and crocs also have to find the courage to stand up to Pirate Bear, even though they are scared of the consequences.

Note: Pirate Bear has, in fact, never turned anyone into stew. This is just an assumption and unfounded fear by the bunnies and crocs. But he does shout a lot. And he does make them swab the poop deck.

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Increased Value with High Re-Readability

pirate bear gift present sonya annita song rhyming rhymes picture kindness birthday school children

This is a book that children will want to read over and over again, which increases the value of this book compared to a book that children will read once and forget. Check out the author's other books for more highly re-readable books.

I Want an Ostrich
A Little Nutty
Do You Know What Your Parents Do When You're Asleep?
My Teacher Dad
My Teacher Dad 2
City of More
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 73
4.6 out of 5 stars 18
4.7 out of 5 stars 42
3.6 out of 5 stars 63
4.4 out of 5 stars 7
4.7 out of 5 stars 6
Price $3.99 $3.99 $3.99 $3.99 $3.99 $4.99
Details All about a boy and his reasons for wanting an ostrich with charming illustrations. Introducing Peanut Butter, the nuttiest nut of all (or at least he thinks he is). It's not what you think it is! Or is it??? Read to find out! A hilarious story about a dad who doesn't want to go to school and his clever son. Continuing where the first book left off, there's more laughs to be had with this unique father-son duo! What will the Bigwigs in the City of More do when they realize they have too much stuff?
Ideal Ages 3-8 3-9 3-9 3-9 3-9 4-11
Grades K-2 K-3 K-3 K-3 K-3 K-5

Editorial Reviews

Review

*****K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite***** Pirate Bear is a work of children's adventure fiction written in verse, penned by author Sonya Annita Song with illustrations by Javier Gimenez Ratti. Written as a picture book with a strong moral lesson, the story follows the central character Pirate Bear as he begins the tale as the 'baddest bear' at sea. Everyone is afraid of him and he takes from others without asking or using any kind of manners and is generally a ruthless figure for all to behold. But when Pirate Bear bonds with a cute kitten and suddenly needs the help of those around him to recover her, a change of attitude is required to gain the help of the crew he's mistreated.
This truly heart-warming tale is not to be missed and will make a superb bedtime story for children of all ages due to its high-quality imagery and rhyming storyline that will delight generations as they read it together. Author Sonya Annita Song has done a wonderful job with a complex moral message told in a delightful and loving way. I could see this work also really connecting in schools and class reading exercises for younger generations. The illustrations by Javier Gimenez Ratti absolutely blew me away with their high quality and highly emotive atmosphere. I also really liked the level of humor they brought, especially with the pirate bunny crew. Overall, Pirate Bear is a superb example of children's picture books at their very best and I would highly recommend it to all parents, teachers, and guardians.
*****Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite*****Pirate Bear by Sonya Annita Song is a fun children's story that teaches the values of kindness and courtesy. Pirate Bear is fearsome and sometimes cruel. He ensures every sailor knows who is in charge and, in turn, the sailors run from him in fright since he has been known to be unpredictable with his punishments. Even the crocodiles at the lake are afraid of him. On many occasions, he runs after them and they dash away in terror. Pirate Bear relishes fighting with every creature he meets at any opportunity he gets. One day, a little creature attaches himself to his fur. For the first time, Pirate Bear begins to re-examine his behavior, but then it might be too late and his friend might have left for good.
The creative illustrations in Pirate Bear make the story even more compelling and bring the characters to life. The rhythm of the words makes the work easy to recite and builds anticipation for the coming words after each line. Beneath the thrilling adventure and the comical events, the tale delivers an important lesson for young readers. Pirate Bear is self-obsessed and only views his companions as his minions until one day when he needs their help. He realizes why it is important to treat those around him kindly. The song at the end helps to summarize the story and makes it memorable. It also adds a fun activity that young readers can engage in after reading the tale. Pirate Bear by Sonya Annita Song is captivating with its beautiful illustrations and funny characters.

*****Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite*****Reading Pirate Bear reminded me why I love reviewing children's books so very much. Opening the first page instantly sets the scene for the story. You can feel those waves undulating past the pirate ship courtesy of Javier Gimenez Ratti's brilliant and colorful illustrations. His artwork brings each scene to life, imparting an animated sense of motion as you behold flying fish coursing through the waves and going airborne, horrified bunny crew members hiding from their pirate captain, and alligators lumbering wildly as they seek shelter. Song's lyrics are fabulous and fun; they have a musical and compelling cadence that's never sing-song.
I'm always just a bit leery of children's books that attempt to be fables bent on teaching children manners or imparting the hard lessons to be learned from not doing what they're told. Often the joy of reading, of experiencing the art and getting lost in the adventure, is dulled by an all-too-obvious lesson. Here, however, the dynamism of the story and the artwork got me past the initial recognition that Pirate Bear never did say "please," and I continued happily experiencing the book. That sense of connection and enjoyment stayed with me throughout. Yes, lessons were there to be learned, but they flowed naturally with the text. Aesop was a master at doing just that, and this author seems to have the talent to do so as well. Pirate Bear will entice adults and children alike; it's an awesome read that proves how marvelous the imagination can really be. While a grand selection for story time, it's also a suitable primer for a new reader to enjoy. Pirate Bear is most highly recommended.
*****Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite*****Children's books offer young readers a number of doorways into vastly magical realms, primarily because they build upon a wide variety of word/picture collages to tell their many unique stories. Some concentrate on verbal fun. Others rely on masterful illustrations to convey their simple tales. While the rhyming cadences from Sonya Annita Song delightfully tell this unique tale of Pirate Bear, it is the overwhelming artistry and intricacy of Javier Giménez Ratti's illustrations that elevate this children's book into greatness. Every single page of art is a masterpiece of color, drama, expression, character, and action, and any child can easily imagine himself/herself inside a story accompanied by such great pictures. Credit, then, these dual creators' decision to keep their story simply told, thus allowing even the youngest readers to fully immerse themselves without undue listening attention.
Pirate Bear may be narrated with rather a minimalist use of language by Sonya Annita Song, but her rhymes are perfectly metered to lull one's disbelief while also navigating a wonderfully fantastic plot line, ensuring that any young adventurer sailing with this crabby old bear will understand exactly what is going on. And though, in the end, this is a heartwarming tale of redemption and transformation, it really would be a shame to spoil the story depicted here with too much revelation of its plot. Suffice it to say, this yarn is about a gruff old pirate with daunted comrades all around, several threatening crocodiles, and a tiny kitten. And it's in everybody's interest to find the kitten. Did I give too much away? Don't worry. The kids will love it.

From the Author

2019Children's Literary Classics Book Awards Gold Winner - City of MoreChildren's Literary Classics Book Awards Gold Winner x2 - Pirate Bear Literary Classics Seal of Approval - City of MoreLiterary Classics Seal of Approval - Pirate Bear Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Winner  - My Teacher DadPurple Dragonfly Honorable Mention - Pirate BearReaders' Favorite Book Award Bronze Winner - City of MoreReaders' Favorite Five Stars A Little NuttyCity of MoreDo You Know What Your Parents Do When You're Asleep?I Want an OstrichMy Teacher DadPirate Bear

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chinchilla Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 15, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1989381030
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1989381038
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

About the author

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Sonya Annita Song
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Sonya Annita Song is an award-winning author who appreciates the simple things in life, such as PB&J sandwiches and cozy blankets. Her children's books are meant to entertain and inspire a joy of reading.

Children's site: www.sonyaannitasong.com

Poemhunter: www.poemhunter.com/sonya-annita-song/

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
33 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's beautifully illustrated rhyming text and well-drawn illustrations. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it provides an entertaining read for preschool and elementary grade children. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's moral message, with one review highlighting how it teaches kids about kindness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

13 customers mention "Illustrations"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in this book, describing them as beautifully illustrated and full of well-drawn pictures that are colorful and cleverly rhymed, with one customer noting the inclusion of a little poem at the end.

"...A very awesome book cover, great colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s educational adventure story book...." Read more

"...You get to read/listen to find out. You also get to look at the lovely pictures. Yipee!!" Read more

"What a treat to find a book like this. It's beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story of a bad pirate bear. Or maybe he's not so bad?..." Read more

"...This picture book is full of well-drawn illustrations and written in rhyme. This rhyme is off in a few spots...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful, with one noting it is a well-written children's educational adventure story.

"...A very well written children’s educational adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

"...Get it to find out! And there's a little poem/song at the end. A wonderful read." Read more

""Pirate Bear" is a beautifully illustrated book of rhyme. Well versed, the story tells of how a grumpy pirate learns how to be nice from an..." Read more

"...Wonderful book with a great moral that kids will love!" Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one mentioning it's a favorite bedtime tale, while another notes it provides an entertaining read for preschool and elementary grade children.

"...This could also make another great children’s educational movie, an animated cartoon, a classroom PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series...." Read more

"...It's beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story of a bad pirate bear. Or maybe he's not so bad? Get it to find out!..." Read more

"...the value of good manners and provides an entertaining read for preschool and elementary grade children." Read more

"...It's got a good little moral wrapped in a great pirate tale.." Read more

4 customers mention "Morality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's moral lessons, with one mentioning it teaches kindness and another noting it conveys the importance of caring in friendships.

"...It teaches that friendship means to care. A delightful book!" Read more

"...It's got a good little moral wrapped in a great pirate tale.." Read more

"Beautifully illustrated story in rhyme that teaches kids about kindness and the importance of speaking nicely to others...." Read more

"...Even the meanest bear can change for the better. Great book on attitudes." Read more

Inspirational!
5 out of 5 stars
Inspirational!
What a lovely story! "Pirate Bear" tells the tale of a gruff, unlikable and rude bear who, throughout his adventure, becomes a caring, thoughtful friend! I absolutely LOVED the illustrations and the expressive verse throughout the book! The message is clear without being preachy, and the story is powerful, yet funny! A great delight to read! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2019
    Pirate Bear took things that did not belong to him.
    He didn’t treat his sailors very nice either.
    Pirate Bear at the bunny’s carrot cake.
    He even chased the alligators.
    1-day he met a little kitty cat.
    What happened to Pirate Bear then?

    I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

    A very awesome book cover, great colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s educational adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s educational movie, an animated cartoon, a classroom PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

    Thank you for the free author; Chinchilla Books; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
    Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2020
    When I started this story I wondered about it because the Pirate Bear was very mean and the illustrator did a great job of portraying him in all his ugly attitude. As I kept reading I was hooked and I think you and your kiddos will be also.
    Everyone feared Pirate Bear. You never knew if you were going to Swab (mop) the deck or he'd turn you into stew. Until one day, when he was all alone he met a little kitty. (Not what you expected, huh?). What did he do with her? Did the kitty like him enough to purr? You get to read/listen to find out. You also get to look at the lovely pictures. Yipee!!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2019
    What a treat to find a book like this. It's beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story of a bad pirate bear. Or maybe he's not so bad? Get it to find out! And there's a little poem/song at the end. A wonderful read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2019
    Pirate Bear is an ornery pirate. He never asks politely and does not have the admiration of his crew consisting of bunnies and crocodiles. One day he meets and adopts a stray cat. When she disappears, the bear orders his crew to search for her, but they are tired of his threats and insults. This shocks the captain; he has a change of attitude. Will Captain Bear find his cat? Will he be able to mend things with his crew?

    This picture book is full of well-drawn illustrations and written in rhyme. This rhyme is off in a few spots. On the other hand, the tale teaches children the value of good manners and provides an entertaining read for preschool and elementary grade children.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2019
    "Pirate Bear" is a beautifully illustrated book of rhyme. Well versed, the story tells of how a grumpy pirate learns how to be nice from an unexpected friend. It teaches that friendship means to care. A delightful book!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2019
    The illustrations are just wonderful, and so is the rhyme and the story itself!
    It's got a good little moral wrapped in a great pirate tale..
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2020
    This strong character gets tamed by his new little friend. This illustrations are sharp and colorful. I loved the fact that the Pirate Bear character changes his attitude throughout the story. This is a great conversation start for students.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2019
    Beautifully illustrated story in rhyme that teaches kids about kindness and the importance of speaking nicely to others. Wonderful book with a great moral that kids will love!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Dr. Jana Broecker
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Anti-Bullying Story About Treating Others With Kindness
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2019
    PLOT: Pirate Bear is rough, grumpy, and a real pain to his crew of bunnies. One day he finds a little, fluffy kitten that he instantly bonds with. When he loses it, all support is needed. But who wants to help such a terrible bully?
    REVIEW: This is a fun and thrilling story for kids with a meaningful message about treating others with respect and about helping friends when needed. The rhymes flow well, the story line is engaging, and the illustrations are outstanding. My boys loved this book a lot. It’s actually our favourite story from this author.
  • Denver Kidd
    5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet read
    Reviewed in Australia on September 22, 2019
    A sweet and thought provoking read for little ones, the illustrations are so appealing and the story brought forth discussions about kindness, compassion and empathy. I highly recommend!
  • Loreta Gir
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cheerful story about pirate bear
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2020
    Another great book by this author. Nicely done illustrations and the story plot with a meaning. Yes, the caring about somebody may soften the hardest heart. Every child should love this story!