Bob Kolar

I read this book and couldn't wait to log onto goodreads so that I could post my review. I loved it! Imagine my dismay when I saw that the book's average rating was only 2.82. What was I missing?!? So, I read the book again. And again. I decided that I wasn't missing anything - I was getting it.

This IS an adorable story about a Biggie Bear filling in for Dog on the soccer team, and even though he's really bad at sports, he accidently helped the team to win. They all celebrate together eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and listening to jazz.

You know, that's the only part of the book that bothered me; it's the second picture book this month I have read in which the characters eat PB&B sandwiches. Are they the new thing?! I might have to try one...… (més)

Big Kicks is a picture book about a black bear named Biggie. He likes things like playing the saxophone and collecting stamps, basically, he likes to keep to himself. One day, a team of animal soccer players decides they need his help. They figure Biggie will be good at soccer, just because he is big. They find out the exact opposite, which, in the end, makes them all become good friends.

I love Big Kicks because of the moral. Its always better to have friends, then be all alone. The mood is so joyous and happy, and the illustrations are just so cute and funny. Big Kicks is sure to have all the children laughing.

In the classroom, I would use Big Kicks to encourage the children to make friends. I would read this book to the students within the first week or so, to open them up to talk to one another easier. I could also have them draw pictures of things that they like or collect, and share them with the rest of the classmates, as a project to help them get to know each other.… (més)