This is a very cute book about celebrating differences even when the differences seem insurmountable. Such is the case with a bear and a goldfish. It would seem like they would have nothing in common, but by the end of the book, young readers find they have more in common than one would think. This is a very sweet book about second guessing, second chances and at taking a look at what makes us different and what makes us alike. I would definitely recommend it for libraries and kindergarten classroom, but also for parents who want to teach their kids arout celebrating differences and that we are more similar than what what what others may think.

Cute cute cute! I simply adore this little book!

Bear goes to the carnival and wants a bear but ends up with a tiny little fish. Bear is so so very big and fish isn't. At first bear is sad and feels that they will have nothing in common.

This adorable book shows us that we don't have to be the same to have things in common. And even with our differences we can still enjoy one another.

As always thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A delightful story about two sweet characters who just seem to have nothing in common but still try to form a bond. Friendship books are so uplifting to read to children or for them to read themselves. It's a "feel good" story that children will want to hear again and again.

This is a great book about being gentle and learning to make new friends in others who might not have as much in common as you.

This book teaches such important lessons on friendship and loving others/owning your uniqueness. Adorable pictures and a great story!

When Big Bear wanted to win a big bear, but instead gets Little Fish. Bear does not think they have a lot in common and Bear comes back from a walk, Fish starts to Bear about what a beautiful place they live in. However, Bear only sees how different they are and decides Fish needs to leave. Fish very gently talks about how similar they are and opens Bears eyes to see things from a different angle. A beautiful and sweet story with beautiful artwork.

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Bear really wanted to win a giant teddy bear at the carnival, but she wound up with a fish instead. Fish is so very small--Bear is worried that she'll scare the fish, that they'll have nothing in common, and that there won't be anything they can do together. So, she decides that Fish cannot stay. Fish, however, has a unique perspective that helps Bear see things a new way.

The overarching message that we shouldn't make assumptions about differences is a good one. Fish is a great character who is very admirable. The art is also colorful and attractive. That said, a couple of things give me pause. I'm not comfortable with the idea of winning living creatures as carnival prizes. I know that used to be a thing, but it's fallen out of favor for good reason. Also, Bear's decision to tell Fish to leave is uncomfortable. It seems a little too mean and unkind, even if she is persuaded to change her mind. Young readers might be very upset and worried about what would happen to Fish. For these reasons, I probably wouldn't use this as a classroom read, but wouldn't discourage a student who picked it on their own.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

"No matter how small we might be on the outside, we can still be big on the inside."

Imagine Bear's disappointment when she returns from the carnival with a small fish in a bowl instead of the big, BIG teddy bear she'd been hoping for. How can she, a very big bear, have anything in common with such a tiny thing as Fish?

This was a very sweet story about finding out that we all may have many more similarities than we think. Friendship often comes from unexpected places.

The artwork by Il Sung Na is lovely and soothing.

Bear wanted a big teddy bear but got a small fish. Bear had such a preconceived idea of what she wanted in a friend that she didn’t explore the new friend that she gained. When she finally did, Fish helped Bear realize that they had much more in common than she thought.

This story includes comparing colors and measuring items to compare size which can be used to mirror exercises taught in early elementary grades. Recommended ages for this book are 4-8 years.

The illustrations are perfect for this story. The colors are beautifully blended with details that draw interest to the story. The scale is just right for this big-small storyline. I also love the illustrations on the inside covers!

This book is definitely not what I expected. Based on the title, I thought it was going to be an entire book about opposites--however, that was only a tiny portion of it. Personally, the book took too long to make its point. I also think the book tried to tackle too many themes instead of focusing on one. This made it harder to understand where the book was going. Additionally, the word choice was a little repetitive (especially the use of the word amble). I would have preferred the book to use the term "measure" instead of "size up" so kids have a better chance to comprehend the book. The illustrations are beautiful and do directly relate to the text which helps the reader comprehend and visualize the story.

I received an electronic copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

Bear wants to win the biggest teddy bear at the carnival, but instead she wins a small, orange fish that lives in a bowl. Bear doesn't bother forming a friendship at first because Fish is orange, small, and lives in a bowl. Until Fish shows Bear she has it all wrong.

This story's gentle and playful approach tackles perspective and prejudice in a way young children can understand. It also shows one's willingness to learn and grow. Finding things in common that lead to making new friends

I felt parts in the middle veered off with some randomness, but my 4yo and 8yo said they enjoyed the story.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Bear wanted to win the biggest bear at the carnival, but instead, he won a fish. Bear doesn't know what to do with fish, but eventually, she learns that fish is a good substitute.

This book is all about perspective. Bear goes to a fair and wins a fish. They really wanted to win a teddy bear. Bear has no idea what to do with a fish, how to feed it, how to play with it, how to love it. But the Fish is right there to say Hey look at me, I am big, I am playful, I am safe. They also help the bear realize that Bear can be seen in the same light as the fish once you change your perspective. This book was lots of fun. I really liked the illustrations, they fit with the story well.

This is a super cute story with a wonderful message. I really enjoyed the illustrations that were quite colourful and whimsical. Bear is a bit hesitant to have a fish as a sidekick, but quickly learns that he has quite a bit in common with the small creature.

Yes yes yes! I love the illustrations (ESPECIALLY the fish with eyeglasses!) and the message about judging something before you get to know it is SO important! Make this a series!

Such a delightful story about finding common ground and similarities even when you think there are none. The illustrations are just lovely, and the flow of the words makes it quite fun to read. A great book for younger children to teach that sometimes you can find the best in things, even if it's not what you initially thought you wanted.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The illustrations were adorable in this picture book and even though your little one may not understand the story they will still enjoy snuggling up for the adventure.

This book does a good job discussing what things have in common between big and little. It is good for the reader to find similarities with people you aren't expecting.

The simplicity of this book is what I like the most. Bear thinks he and Fish are too different to be friends, but Fish shows him that they have more in common than Bear realized. We don't have to be exactly like someone to be their friend. It is good lesson to share with younger children and I think my preschoolers would really love this book. Plus the illustrations are so beautiful and engaging.