If you’re not familiar with the character of Little Bear, allow me to take a moment to introduce you. He began as a children’s book character, the creation of Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrator Maurice Sendak. Later he was turned into a children’s television show which aired on Nickelodeon. He lives with his mother and father in a small but cozy cottage. His father is a fisherman and is often gone, so Little Bear spends much of his time with his mother. He also has friends – Cat, Duck, Hen, No-Feet (a snake) and a little girl named Emily and her doll, Lucy. He also has a loving uncle, Rusty, and caring grandparents.
In “The Little Bear Movie,” we see Little Bear and his father head up into the mountains for a father/son outing. Little Bear is very tame, and he’s never encountered real wild animals before. He thinks all animals are just like him, so when he meets a mountain lion, he’s surprised to discover that some animals are predatory.
A wild bear cub named, appropriately, Cub, comes to his rescue. Cub has been separated from his family, so Little Bear and his father take him home for the night, setting out the next day to find Cub’s parents. Of course, they take Cat, Duck and Hen along for the journey, but those animals have never been out in the real wild, either, so they’re feeling a little out of their element. Cub didn’t feel at home in the house, and this movie shows us the value of appreciating differences and not belittling someone because they aren’t the same as we are.
My favorite thing about “Little Bear,” be it the books, the television show, or the movie, is that it’s very gentle. There’s not a lot of violence or showing off, the characters treat each other with respect, and the relationship between Little Bear and his parents is cooperative and respectful. I trust “Little Bear” to be quality entertainment for my children and think you would enjoy it too.
This film is rated G.
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