Values are something to bear in mind: A humble review of Two Greedy Bears

Two Greedy Bears is a lively tale about two bear cubs whose selfishness will teach them an important lesson.  Captivating readers with these childlike characters, Mirra Ginsburg’s adaptation of a Hungarian folktale manages to work with some important values which are essential in children’s development. Besides, the illustrations help to achieve a fantastic representation of emotions.

After bickering over who can drink more water from a brook, the two bears find a big round cheese and another reason to quarrel about. Driven by their covetous desire to get more cheese than the other, the bears begin to fight. A clever fox approaches and promises to help the bears to solve their problem. Tricking them with the promise of getting two equal pieces of cheese, she starts eating it. Finally, when this crafty fellow feels she has satiated her appetite, she leaves the two bear cubs with two tiny crumbs.

Ginsburg’s narrative is clear and comprehensible. She uses simple vocabulary and short dialogues. Thus, it is easy to focus on the conception of values rather than grammatical or lexical aspects. In the development of the story, several values such as generosity, self-hood and self-interest arise.

In addition, Jose Aruego and Adriane Dewey’s illustrations mirror the characters' feelings perfectly, adding more expression in tense moments. As a result, the characters embody different personality features and this heterogeneity triggers an interesting topic to work and discuss with children: diversity.

Ginsburg’s ideas, together with Aruego and Dewey’s illustrations, create a vivid story. Two Greedy Bears is the proof that positive values are always worthy.