Can Bears Ski?
2020
Publisher
Walker Books (UK), Candlewick Press (US)
Winner of the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor
”Antrobus and Dunbar have lovingly crafted a picture book that addresses not just the often-frustrating process of diagnosing a disability but the exhaustion that accompanies living with one.
Booklist Reviews
Can Bears Ski? is the debut children’s book by award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus, illustrated by Polly Dunbar. This poignant picture book follows Little Bear, who navigates the world with a unique perspective due to his hearing impairment. Through vibrant illustrations and lyrical prose, the story explores themes of communication, identity, and the discovery of deafness.
Little Bear often hears the question, “Can bears ski?”—a misinterpretation of “Can you hear me?” As he embarks on a journey with Dad Bear to understand his hearing loss, Little Bear learns about audiologists, hearing aids, and the various ways to connect with the world around him. The book draws from Antrobus’s own experiences growing up deaf, offering an authentic and heartfelt narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
”Gently and thoughtfully teaches about being a hard-of-hearing kid.
Kirkus Reviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVVVMxC5iLc
Can Bears Ski?
”Reveals to the hearing readers how rich the world is in terms of sensation for non-hearing people.
NPR