Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? written by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle is a classic picture book. It is a companion book to the well known iconic book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See and it is part of the Brown Bear And Friends Series. This book has been a favorite among young readers for generations, introducing them to the colorful world of animals and the joys of reading. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or just a lover of children’s literature, you’re sure to enjoy this title! So read on for everything you need to know about this much loved classic!
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Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle are two of the most respected names in children’s education and children’s illustrations. This collaboration, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, their first since the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (published decades ago and still a bestseller) shows two masters at their best.
What will you hear when you read this book to a preschool child?
Lots of noise!
Children will chant the rhythmic words. They’ll make the sounds the animals make. And they’ll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book– look at the last page!
About The Authors
Bill Martin Jr
Bill Martin Jr. (1916-2004) was an American author and educator, best known for his children’s books including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.” He was born in 1916 in Hiawatha, Kansas, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University).
After serving in World War II, Martin became an elementary school teacher, and it was during this time that he began writing children’s books. His first book, “The Little Squeegy Bug,” was published in 1952. But his career as a children’s author truly took off with the 1967 release of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”. This title has since become a classic of children’s literature and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Martin continued to write and publish books throughout his career, and his work has been translated into numerous languages. He also served as a consultant in education and as a lecturer on reading and children’s literature. Martin’s writing philosophy is characterized by the use of simple, repetitive language and attention-grabbing illustrations to help young children learn to read. And that is what made him a master in children’s literature.
Martin died in 2004, but his legacy lives on through his many beloved books. As well as the countless children who have been introduced to the joys of reading through his work.
Eric Carle
Eric Carle is a world-renowned children’s book author and illustrator, best known for his classic picture book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Born in Syracuse, New York in 1929, Carle moved with his family to Germany when he was six years old. He later returned to the United States to study design at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. But he found success as an illustrator before he graduated.
Carle began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator for the New York Times. But it was his first book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” written by Bill Martin Jr., published in 1967, which launched his career as a children’s book creator. The book’s success was followed by many more, including the highly acclaimed “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” published in 1969. The book has become an international best seller and has been translated into more than 62 languages.
Carle has written and illustrated more than 70 books, many of which have become children’s classics and have sold millions of copies around the world. He is known for his use of vibrant colors and hand-painted tissue collage illustrations. This is a technique he developed early on in his career. His books often include themes of nature, the environment, and the journey of metamorphosis. He also actively promotes literacy and education, establishing the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts in 2002.
Carle continues to write and illustrate children’s books, and his work has been honored with numerous awards and accolades. This includes the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, which recognizes an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children
Our Review
“Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” is a children’s picture book written by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle. Like the book “Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?”, it is part of the “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” series and follows a similar pattern of introducing different animals and their sounds. The focus of this book is the Polar Bear.
The story begins with a polar bear asking “What do you hear?” This question is repeated throughout the book, as the polar bear encounters different animals and asks them the same question. Each animal in turn, answers by describing the sound they make, leading to the introduction of another animal. This pattern repeats until the final animal is introduced, and the story ends with a zoo keeper saying that he can hear children, copying the sounds of the animals
The language used in the book is simple and repetitive, making it easy for young children to understand and follow along. The illustrations are bright, colorful and whimsical, and they perfectly capture the essence of each animal being described. The book is also a great tool for teaching children about different animals and their sounds.
In summary, “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” is a delightful children’s picture book that will engage and entertain young readers. With its simple language, colorful illustrations and fun animal characters, it is sure to become a favorite for years to come.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? Read Aloud
The Rest Of The Series
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? is a companion book to Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? There are also four other titles in the series. Here is the full list of books in the Brown Bear And Friends series:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Panda Bear, Panda Bear What Do You See?
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
Be sure to check them all out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes after Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
After Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See comes Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? This is then followed by Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Finally the last book in the series is Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
What animals are in Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
The animals that are in Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? are a lion roaring, a hippopotamus snorting, flamingo fluting, zebra braying, boa constrictor hissing, elephant trumpeting, leopard snarling, peacock yelping and walrus bellowing.
What do you think of this much loved children’s classic book? Let us know!
