Bear’s Big Idea: An Interview with Author Sandra Nickel
The creators of Big Bear and Little Fish return for another sweet story of friendship and adventure. In Bear’s Big Idea Fish always has great ideas for what to do. Now it’s Bear’s turn and she promises to have a brand new BIG idea…if only she can find out where ideas come from.
Today author Sandra Nickel joins us to share her inspiration for the story, her hopes for young readers, and more. Read on to watch the official book trailer and to download the free educator resource!
What was your inspiration for the book?
When I was growing up, it always seemed like other kids came up with ideas right away, and I was left sitting in class wondering what to do. When we are put on the spot to come up with ideas, it can be hard. And it’s even harder when we’re sure that everyone around us is magically pulling ideas out of their sleeves. So, in Bear’s Big Idea, we have Fish, who wakes up every morning and knows the perfect thing to do. And we also have Bear, who—like the child me—can’t think of a thing to do.
What do you hope readers—especially those readers who struggle with coming up with ideas—will discover from Bear’s experience?
With the Bear and Fish stories, I always try to open up a new perspective, while showing what true friendship is like. I’m a believer that ideas are always around us. It’s just that sometimes we feel so pressured we don’t see the myriad ideas right in front of us.
In Bear’s Big Idea, Fish tells Bear that even if she doesn’t see an idea, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. I hope this reassurance by Fish takes the pressure off kids, especially when they see what it does for Bear. Bear stops rushing around, pauses, and takes in the world around her. She actually shifts the way she interacts with her world. Instead of just looking, she opens her ears and listens. She listens to what’s in the wind.
The wind? How did you think of that?
From the beginning, the wind always played a part in Bear finding a new idea. I think this is because I grew up in Kansas, and the wind is such a mischief-maker there. So, in Bear’s Big Idea, when Bear struggles to see an idea, she at last hears one—and snatches it out of the wind.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered about the story?
After I finished Bear’s Big Idea, one of my author friends told me that Bear’s experience with ideas is similar Ruth Stone’s experience with poetry. Ruth says, “I hear it coming. I hear it. Even as a child I would rush into the house to find paper and pen to write it down.” I was so surprised—and delighted—that Ruth’s experience was so much like Bear’s.
There is definitely something universal about the mystery of ideas. On the jacket flap, Il Sung Na admits that he, like so many of us, struggles to find ideas. But like Bear, he has discovered that good ideas are sometimes closer than he thinks.
What about you? Do you sometimes struggle coming up with ideas?
Of course! I really am like Bear. Too often I run around like a chicken trying to find an idea, rather than relaxing and opening my senses to our magnificent, wonder-filled world.
Are you like Bear in other ways? Or, are you more like Fish?
I wish I could say that I modeled wise and optimistic Fish after myself. Alas, Bear is my alter ego. I’m a worrier. I struggle with change around me. But I also love sploshing in puddles, eating carrot muffins, and listening for surprises in the wind.
Official Book Trailer
Free Educator Resources
Can’t get enough of Bear and Fish? Download the free teaching guide from the Lerner website. It’s filled with activities and discussion questions for your young readers!
Praise for Bear’s Big Idea
“A winning tale of friendship and creativity unleashed.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Young readers will enjoy the dilemma and recognize the anxiety of choosing just what to do each day. This gently humorous story would be a good addition to libraries needing animal and friendship stories.” — School Library Journal
“The topic of self-love is addressed in a subtle and light-hearted way with illustrations that are full of both deep expression and calming whimsy. Reviewer Rating: 4″ — Children’s Literature
Connect with the Author
Sandra Nickel is a writer of nonfiction picture books for children. Her work includes The Stuff Between Stars, Nacho’s Nachos, and Breaking Through the Clouds. She is the winner of a Christopher Award and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When at home in Switzerland, Sandra loves ambling and rambling and eating carrot muffins just as much as Bear and Fish do.
Lerner authors and illustrators have some of the best stories! Read more interviews on the blog here.
Comments