Norton and the Bear

In “Norton and the Bear,” Gabriel Evans vividly recounts a tale of anthropomorphic animals living and intermingling with humans which teaches children that everyone is an individual and unique in their own way. It is a highly amusing story of a dog (Norman) determined to be unique. In the story, Norman interacts with an unnamed bear who admires his sweater so much that he buys one exactly like it. Norton becomes annoyed and distraught because he thinks the bear has appropriated his uniqueness. He buys a scarf to modify his appearance. The bear, in turn, buys a scarf exactly like Norton’s so they can look alike, which annoys Norton even more. Norton repeatedly adds new elements to change his appearance, but the bear repeatedly copies him. Eventually Norton becomes infuriated. He doesn’t realize that the bear just admires his style and wants to duplicate it. Norton finally lashes out at the bear telling him to “find his own style.” The bear apologizes and promises to create his own look. When the bear shows up wearing a cape over the outfit he copied from Norton, Norton realizes that he likes the look of the cape and wants one, too. Much to his delight, the bear hands him a cape just like his and offers it to Norton. At the conclusion of the story, Norton finally realizes that the bear’s imitation of his style is the sincerest form of flattery. Imaginative, humorous, and clever, as well as well-written and illustrated, “Norton and the Bear” is highly recommended for children three-to-six years old.

Norton and the Borrowing Bear by Gabriel Evens is a cute picture book about friendship. Norton longs to have a neighbor and then one day, Bear moves in. Norton invites him to dinner. After dinner the bear asks Norton if he could borrow his slippers so that he can stay warm. Norton loans him his slippers. Then every day, Bear comes over and continues to borrow a new item but does not return anything that he borrows. Norton becomes very frustrated and wonders if it is so great having a friend.Norton and the Borrowing Bear is a great story for preschoolers. The pictures are colorful and adorable. This story would be a great way to teach youngsters about how you should return items that you borrow.

This book is really fun! It reminds me of the way siblings behave- not wanting to be the same as each other. Cute drawings too.

Norton is thrilled when a potential friend moves in right next door, but not so happy when his new pal starts borrowing things. Many things. Many, many things.Can Norton ask his neighbor to return his stuff, or will that ruin their new friendship?This is a fun tale, made even more endearing by the author's sweet illustrations.Thanks to NetGalley and Berbay Publishing for the chance to enjoy this one.

Super fun beautiful illustrations and fun storytelling. I had a completely different expectation, I was looking for a story to support the message to my kids that they don’t necessarily need to want what their friends have (you know the age of “mama I want that too”). Instead the message here is flipped on the other side, even if you copy someone and look the same, you are still a unique individual (it’s not only your looks that make you YOU). So…it didn’t serve my purpose, but it was loved nonetheless.