Book Review: Nikolai, the Only Bear

by Pam Connell | More from this Blogger

28 Aug 2009 02:23 PM

Nikolai, the Only Bear is a story about a bear who lives in an orphanage (in Russia. Nikolai is the only bear in the orphanage. He is three years old. He tries to play with the other children, but they are afraid of him. His caregivers are constantly telling him to say hello, say thank you, play nice, sing the same lyrics as everyone else at music class. The problem is, Nikolai does say all those things, but the caregivers and the other children don't speak bear.

The softly colored illustrations show the orphans playing and being cared for in various ways.

Nikolai watches as other children leave with new mothers and fathers.

"Dr. Larissa" writes a letter to America, saying that Nikolai is lively and healthy, although he doesn't speak yet and they are trying to teach him to play well with others. She believes a loving family would help, and believes Nikolai could make a wonderful addition to a family.

One day a man and a woman come to visit. The man has a "furry face" (a beard), just like Nikolai's furry face. When Nikolai growls hello, the man growls back. When Nikolai holds up his paws and claws the air, the expects the woman to say, "Play nice". But she claws the air and takes Nikolai's paw in her hands.

The visitors come every day. The other children begin to accept Nikolai as they see the visitors accept him. The woman's singing voice makes Nikolai feel "soft-bearish", like he wants to climb into her lap. One day, he does. Soon the new family is on their way home to America.

This unusual adoption book may have the effect of allowing children to empathize with Nikolai, at a safer distance from their own experience than reading about another child might be.

The book would also be good for all children. The very simple sentences speak poignantly about someone who tries to fit in, but is not understood:

"Nikolai does sing the words. He sings Bear words, but Miss Sonya doesn't speak bear."

Many children in the U.S. today have some children in their school who are still learning English. With mainstreaming, kids may be in a classroom with kids who have autism or language difficulties. This book reminds children-and adults-that these children may well be trying very hard to reach out. This book is by well-known children's author Barbara Joose, who wrote I Love You the Purplest and Mama, Do You Love Me?

Please see these related blogs:

Kids' Books Starring Internationally Adopted Kids

Books on International Adoption for Adults

Before Green Gables

Learn more about Pam Connell

Pam Connell is a mother of three by both birth and adoption. She has worked in education, child care, social services, ministry and journalism.

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