The Bear Fairy by Paul Coccia is an interesting story and the illustrations are cute. However, I didn’t feel it was a memorable story that children would like to read or be read over and over.
It’s about an unlikely fairy (a bear) and his new best friend (a boy) and acceptance by a little girl who believes fairies should be pretty,
Thank you NetGalley and Tundra Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion,

A funny book about defying expectation and norms. The book was a bit on the shorter side, though. I would have loved to have seen a resolution for the main antagonist, as the transition between the antagonist becoming a friend pretty much happened off-screen. Overall, a cute story with a funky art style.

This was a cute little story about not needing to be perfect and a certain image. It was a little old for my daughter to understand the concept but I will keep it on the shelf for a few years from now.

This book was a mixed bag for us. The bear fairy is a story of a boy who wants to catch a fairy, a mean girl who thinks he is never going to catch a fairy, and a fairy who is rude and doesn’t act right, which makes our main character frustrated. But when the mean girl says mean things about the bear fairy, our main character is suddenly completely defensive and no longer bothered by the bear fairy’s bad behavior… and then she wants to be a bear fairy and besties with the main character. The book didn’t really tell a story with a lesson I agree with unfortunately, but it had a lot of potential.

My four year old said he liked it, but he was not as enthralled as usual with this book.

Introducing the Bear Fairy unlike any other fairy around! From his potato chip obsession to his glorious furry bear beard, he does not disappoint Spencer’s need to proof that he can catch a fairy (although he finds plenty of ways to annoy Spencer in the meantime). Quirky illustrations and beary fairy fun is highlighted by the childlike illustrations and the turning point that gives Spencer a chance to decide what fairy’s can be while defending his new friend.

The Bear Fairy did not seem to have much of a point. There were a few humorous puns, but otherwise the text was unremarkable.

I liked the concept of this book, having a unique fairy for Spencer. However, I felt like their adventures were disjointed. Why did the bear fairy agree to come? What happens with the house? Are Spencer’s parents upset? Did Spencer calm down and talk with Mariah? Why does it show Mariah dressed as the bear fairy at the end of there was not really a resolution? It could be a great book the illustrations are great and the characters are fun but it was missing some pieces for me.

The Bear Fairy is a bright, colorful picture book with playful illustrations that will catch young readers’ eyes. The story centers on a brother trying to convince his sister that the Bear Fairy is just as good as any other fairy. It’s a fun concept, and the sibling interactions feel natural and lighthearted.

However, the story feels unfinished. One of the key moments, when the sister sets a trap for the Bear Fairy near the end, has no text at all. The book closes with a wordless page showing the siblings and the Bear Fairy together, leaving readers to fill in the blanks. The ending feels abrupt, and there’s no clear message or resolution for young readers to easily understand.

While the art is engaging, the story line doesn't feel fully developed. It may still spark conversations or appeal to kids who enjoy imagining their own endings, but it’s not likely to leave a lasting impression on its own.

Spencer is eager to catch a fairy, but the one that he lures turns out to be short, hairy, and a little rude. Mariah is skeptical. You can only be a fairy if you're dainty and sweet, she insists. But it turns out there are a lot of ways to be a fairy, just as there are a lot of ways to be a friend.

This fun little book reinforces that other people don't get to define you. Boys can like fairies, and fairies can be hairy. The more important part is to be someone you want to be. This book isn't trying to be queer, but I love the way it subtly challenges gender norms and societal expectations. I'm still not sure I'd want the bear fairy as my friend, but I'm really proud of Spencer for making a choice about who he wants to be.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to netgalley and publishers for this ARC!

This book was cute. I didn't like the illustration style too much, but it did suit the storyline. I personally do not think it will make a very good read aloud, but it is a cute story!

Such a cute picture book with such a lovely message that shows just because someone doesn’t right away like the thing that you have doesn’t take away from what you have. You never know one day they might want one too. Be unique and enjoy the things you love don’t let others tell you they are wrong. Also believe in yourself if you really want to do it do it.
Thank you to Tundra Book Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Spencer is trying to catch a fairy, but gets a bear fairy that starts to drive him crazy. A funny book, with fun illustrations that kids will love.

Honestly, this book read as more random than ANYTHING else to me. A boy and girl play pretend, and the boy catches a “bear fairy”. While the girl wants to discriminate as the bear fairy isn’t what she’d typically picture a fairy to look like, the boy’s sparkle won’t be dulled. He defends his bear friend and plays on.