In picture books, bears show kids how to grow up
Updated: 2016-07-07 15:22
By Yang Yang(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
||||||||
Book cover of The Bear's School. [Photo provided to China Daily] |
The Bear's School features the growing-up stories of 12 bears. Since the first book was published in Japan in 2002, writer Hiroyuki Aihara and illustrator Nami Adachi have completed 14 books of the series.
In the last 15 years, more than 2.1 million copies of the books have been sold, and more than 3,000 various kinds of products have been created based on the series.
Aihara said that he created the stories of bears because more than 15 years ago, when he went to kindergarten to pick up his daughter, he found that many kids, whose heads appeared bigger compared with their small bodies and whose bellies stuck out, looked like bears that he loved.
Hearing that Chinese kids are very busy with study, he said that apart from study, learning about happiness in life is also very important.
The books, complemented with the elegant language of watercolor painting, describe the lives of the 12 bears as they grow up. A female bear named Jackie is particularly compelling: Jackie is kind, clever and full of curiosity — and occasionally headstrong.
The stories are very warm, humorous and touching; they illustrate the Japanese conception of early childhood education, trying to nurture children to be independent.
Infant educator Liu Leqiong said that The Bear's School is about children working hard to achieve their dreams, which is very important to parents and teachers.
"Every child strives to grow up, which deserves grown-ups' respect," Liu said.
Related:
- Eid al-Fitr celebrated worldwide
- Swedish PM looking at tightening laws after festival sex attacks
- British PM race cut to 3 hopefuls as 2 contenders exit contest
- Chinese herbalists offer free US treatment
- Obama praises Hillary's judgement hours after FBI's censure
- Rio mayor tells Olympic visitors: 'Don't expect New York or London'
- Beijing Muslims mark end of Ramadan
- Remember emerging heroes in China's floods
- Ronaldo powers Portugal into Euro 2016 final
- Culture Insider: Six things you may not know about Minor Heat
- Solar-powered visitor begins orbiting Jupiter
- Continuous rainfalls affect millions of people across China
- Chinese foodies' top 10 favorite restaurants
- Chinese basketball legend Wang Zhizhi bids farewell
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Abe's blame game reveals his policies failing to get results
Ending wildlife trafficking must be policy priority in Asia
Effects of supply-side reform take time to be seen
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi to meet Kerry
Chinese stocks surge on back of MSCI rumors
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |