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Lester Laminack

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Lester L. Laminack's The Ultimate Read-Aloud Resource. Please type the last word of the quotation that opens Chapter 5.

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Guide to Creating Text Dependent Questions for Close Reading Lessons

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Guide to Creating Text Dependent Questions for Close Reading Lessons

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Why Picture Books Are Important - Link to Website

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Why Picture Books Are Important - Link to Website

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Brett Helquist

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Why Picture Books Are Important by Brett Helquist
Why are picture books important? I'd like to take that a little further and ask: Why are pictures in books important? I can only answer this question for myself. Reading was not easy for me. I had no trouble learning how to read, I just had trouble motivating myself to read. I had little interest in reading a story unless there was a strong picture to catch my interest. Good pictures always caught my eye and made me want to know the story behind the picture

Pictures added so much to the experience of reading a story. A well imagined picture invited me into the characters' world and made me want to explore it in my imagination, to find out what was under that rock or behind that tree. Pictures helped me begin to create my own stories. It has been fun to watch my daughter learn to read. Long before she could read a word she told many stories of her own just by looking at the pictures in her favorite books. Her stories were often more fun than the story told in the text.

Pictures not only enhanced the reading experience but helped me to learn to read. When I struggled with a word or a passage, I could always use the pictures to help me figure it out. This became even more important as books became more complex. Later in life, I even taught myself to read Chinese by reading comic books. I could not have done it without those pictures.

I love picture books and books with pictures. I truly believe there's not a book out there that wouldn't be a bit better with a good picture or two.

About Brett Helquist
Brett Helquist's celebrated art has graced books from the charming Roger, the Jolly Pirate and Dickens's timeless Christmas Carol to the frightening Scary Stories collections by Alvin Schwartz and the alarming New York Times bestselling Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his family.

Tagged as: Bedtime for Bear, Brett Helquist, children's book author, children's book illustrator, HarperCollins, Kidlit, kidlit author, Lemony Snicket, literacy, November, picture book, Picture Book Month, picture books, reading, Why Picture Books Are Important

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Why Picture Books Are Important by Brett Helquist

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Why Picture Books Are Important by Brett Helquist Why are picture books important? I'd like to take that a little further and ask: Why are pictures in books important? I can only answer this question for myself. Reading was not

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Why Picture Books Are Important - PDF of Article

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Why Picture Books Are Important - PDF of Article

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Why Picture Books Are Important by Brett Helquist

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Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
Certain Asiatic bears build nests in trees similar to that of a bird.
There are eight different species of bears across the world with a conservation status ranging from vulerable to least concern. Depending on the bear species, habitats include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the northern-most polar regions. While not ordinarily a threat to humans, bears are animals that can be very dangerous if startled, provoked, or approached when young bears (cubs) are present.

Top Bear Facts

While considered a carnivorous species, most bears eat vegetation as their primary food source.

Bears are animals that will fight to the death for family members.

Many bear experts believe bears can smell from up to 20 miles away.

Types of Bear - The 8 Different Bear Species

There are eight unique species of bears that vary in size, appearance and food preference. You can predominantly find them throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The bear species types include:

Asiatic Black Bear (Asian Black Bear) - The Asiatic black bear, also referred to as the moon bear, is primarily an herbivore bear species found predominantly in Southern Asia, Afghanistan and parts of Japan. They are often found in trees in mountainous areas.

Brown Bear - The brown bear, also referred to as the grizzly bear, is found in North America, Asia and Europe. They are most notable by the humps that rest over their shoulders and massive brown physique. These bear species are the least likely to become extinct of all the bears, at this time.

North American Black Bear - The North American black bear can be found from Northern Canada to Central Mexico. It does not have a climate preference. They will even feed on prickly pear cactus. This bear species prefers mountainous regions. However, you will find them in meadows and wetlands, too.

Polar Bear - Polar bears are only found in the Arctic region surrounding the North Pole. They travel by floating glacial ice blocks. As these ice packs melt, the threat to the existence of polar bears increases making them highly susceptible to extinction.

Spectacled Bear - The spectacled bear, also referred to as the Andean bear, enjoys spending time in trees. They are the only bear species to reside in South America. These bears are vulnerable to extinction due to human killing for profit and due to mythology.

Panda Bear - The Panda bear might be the most well-known bear on the planet due to their perceived adorable appearance. They primarily feast on bamboo in Central China. Panda bears are considered endangered due to demand on the black market.

Sloth Bear - The sloth bear receives its namesake due to the similarities of the sloth animal. The long snout allows them to consume prey not typically associated with bears, including ants and termites. Sloth bears are found in India and Sri Lanka.

Sun Bear - Sun bears are distinctive due to their cream, crescent markings on their chest. As they often eat bees' nests, they are commonly referred to as honey bears. You can find them in Malaysia and Indonesia, and they are vulnerable to extinction due to deforestation.

Bear Scientific Names

The family name for the bear species is Ursidae and Ursus is the genus, which means bear in Latin. The following are the eight bear genus species of the bear family:

Bear Appearance & Behavior

Bears are distinctive by their fur-based bodies and strong claws. Some climb trees and others swim. Certain bear subspecies have even more distinctive markings around the eyes and on their chest that set them apart from the others.

Various species of bears have adapted to their environments over time. For example, polar bears are white to blend in with the snow and North American black bears have versatile eating habits that include corn crops and cactus depending on their region of residence.

All bears have an acute sense of smell, hearing and sight. They often hear and smell humans before they see humans and flee as a result. Bears are solitary creatures by nature. However, mothers and cubs will travel together, and bears will travel in pairs during mating seasons.

Asiatic Black Bear: 50 - 116 kg (110 - 255 lbs)

Brown Bear: 93 - 410 kg (205 - 900 lbs)

North American Black Bear 39 - 409 kg (86 - 900 lbs)

Polar Bear 200 - 682 kg (440 - 1,500 lbs)

Spectacled Bear 64 - 125 kg (140 - 275 lbs)

Panda Bear 70 - 125 kg (155 - 275 lbs)

Sloth Bear 55 - 141 kg (120 - 310 lbs)

Sun Bear 22 - 50 kg (50 - 110 lbs)

Bear Habitats

The geographic regions of bear species are as diverse as their appearance. Most bear species prefer to live within the canopy of a dense forest. You can find bears throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. They never made it to the Antarctic or Australia. While bears are curious by nature, many times, if they hear or smell a human, they will hide up a tree. Some bears prefer higher elevations, such as the Asiatic black bear, and others prefer coastal regions, such as polar bears. You will even find bears in desert climates, including the spectacled bears and American black bears. Bear populations that are unable to adapt to new habitats are vulnerable to extinction as their current homes are destroyed for development and for lumber.

Bear Diet and Food

Bears have proven they can survive on almost anything. Most bears eat vegetation, such as the panda bear eats bamboo. However, many North American bears have adapted to their environments and will eat other animals and fish, including elk, caribou and salmon. The polar bear, also referred to as the maritime bear, is a carnivorous animal as they typically eat seals, as well as whales and smaller walruses on occasion. And the sloth bear survives on ants and termites.

A growing concern exists for bears eating human food as it causes them to destroy property and even break into homes to seek out more of the same. Eventually, these bears are put down as they become an increasing threat to humans. This tragic result is avoidable as long as humans do not feed wild bears. On rare occasions, bears will eat a poisonous plant by mistake and die. Other than that, bears can eat almost anything to live.

Bear Population

Today, all bear species are somewhat susceptible to extinction. Some bear species are more vulnerable than others. Asiatic black bears, polar bears, panda bears, sloth bears and sun bears are all considered vulnerable to extinction. Brown bears are categorized as stable, and the American black bears are actually increasing in population and considered a least concern at the moment.

Asiatic Black Bear - Less than 50,000

Brown Bear - 200,000

North American Black Bear - 600,000

Polar Bear - 20,000 to 25,000

Spectacled Bear - Less than 2,000

Panda Bear - 2,000

Sloth Bear - 7,000 to 10,000

Sun Bear - Unknown, possibly less than 1,000

Bear Extinction

While several bear species of today are vulnerable to extinction, only a few bear species or subspecies have become extinct in recent history. This includes the Californian grizzly bear in the 1920s and the Mexican grizzly bear in the 1960s. Both became extinct due to hunting. The same is true of the Atlas bear. The Atlas bear was the only bear native to Africa. It was hunted to extinction in the 1870s.

The giant panda bear was near extinction in recent times when drastic efforts were made to save the species. Many scientists believe the polar bear is under severe threat due to climate change. Their existence may be directly connected to their ability to adapt. Thousands of years ago, it is believed that a number of bear species existed before their extinction.

The giant short-faced bear was a carnivorous animal that stood 12-feet high, ran over 40 mph, weighed over 1,500 pounds and lived in the Northern half of North America. It became extinct around the end of the Ice Age due to loss of habitat. Cave bears resided in much of Europe and became extinct around 25,000 years ago before the last Ice Age began. They were believed to weigh up to 1,500 pounds just like the short-faced bear.

Bear Predators and Threats

Bear cubs are particularly susceptible to any number of predators, such as coyotes and wolves; however, adult bears experience very few natural predators. The primary predators that target bears are other bears and humans. Illegal bear hunting is likely their greatest predator. Some cultures poach bears for their meat and various body parts and organs to sell on the black market. Environmental change is another significant threat to bears, their natural habitats and their food sources. And human deforestation and development are also threatening many bear species and subspecies.

Bear Mating, Babies and Lifespan

A courting process does occur between a male and a female bear during the spring. Male bears are promiscuous and will mate with several female bears if possible over time. Only the largest males will mate due to the high level of competition. Because of this competition, female bears will also take on several partners in their life. However, during the courting and mating process, both bears became nearly inseparable. The season of breeding and mating lasts from May to early July. Females typically give birth in January and February.

Female bears mate and experience a fertilized egg and embryos much like humans. They will give birth to between one and six bear cubs. Mother bears are quite affectionate and protective. They will care for and den with their cubs for up to three years, often less. During this time, the cubs will feed on the mother's milk and food gathered by their mother and themselves. When it is time to separate, the cubs do not take it well. As a result, siblings often stay together for a duration after the initial separation.

The average lifespan of each bear species varies, including:

Asiatic Black Bear - 25 to 30 years, Oldest on Record: 42 years

Brown Bear - 20 to 30 years, Oldest on Record: 40 years

North American Black Bear - 20 years, Oldest on Record: 39 years

Polar Bear - 20 to 30 years, Oldest on Record: 45 years

Spectacled Bear - 20 years, Oldest on Record: 37 years

Panda Bear - 15 to 20 years, Oldest on Record: 38 years

Sloth Bear - 20 years, Oldest on Record: 27 years

Sun Bear - 25 years, Oldest on Record: 34 years

It is important to note that most bear species live longer in captivity than in the wild. The averages listed above represent the average lifespan of a wild bear. The oldest age on record is representative of any bear regardless of being wild or captive. As bears age, their health begins to decline just as with humans, including dental health, eyesight and an overall dulling of the senses. This greatly affects their quality of life and ability to survive

View all 100 animals that start with B

Bear Scientific Classification

Bear Conservation Status

Bear Locations

Bear Images

Click through all of our Bear images in the gallery.
View all of the Bear images!
Bear FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are Bears carnivores, herbivores or omnivores?
Most bears select their food source by adapting to their environments. While the panda bear is primarily a herbivore, it occasionally eats rodents or birds and is therefore considered an omnivore. The sun bear, North American black bear, brown bear, and Asiatic black bears are also omnivores. The polar bear is strictly carnivorous.
What Kingdom do Bears belong to?
Bears belong to the Kingdom Animalia.
What phylum do Bears belong to?
Bears belong to the phylum Chordata.
What class do Bears belong to?
Bears belong to the class Mammalia.
What family do Bears belong to?
Bears belong to the family Ursidae.
What order do Bears belong to?
Bears belong to the order Carnivora.
What genus do Bears belong to?
Bears belong to the genus Ursus.
What type of covering do Bears have?
Bears are covered in Fur.
In what type of habitat do Bears live?
Bears live in forests and mountainous regions.
What is the main prey for Bears?
Bears prey on fish, nectar, and insects.
What are some distinguishing features of Bears?
Bears have large teeth and paws and strong bodies.
What are some predators of Bears?
Predators of Bears include humans, wolves, and wildcats.
What is the average litter size for a Bear?
The average litter size for a Bear is 2.
What is an interesting fact about Bears?
There are 8 different Bear species!
What is the scientific name for the Bear?
The scientific name for the Bear is Ursidae.
What is the lifespan of a Bear?
Bears can live for 15 to 35 years.
What is the lifespan of a Bear?
Bears can live for 15 to 35 years.
How fast is a Bear?
A Bear can travel at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

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Bear Animal Facts | Ursidae | AZ Animals

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Verified by: AZ Animals Staff Certain Asiatic bears build nests in trees similar to that of a bird. There are eight different species of bears across the world with a conservation status ranging from vulerable to least concern. Depending on the bear species, habitats include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the northern-most polar regions.

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Every living animal on Earth is burning energy all the time. Physical activities like walking and breathing burn energy. Pumping blood and digesting food burns energy. Even thinking burns energy. For warm-blooded animals, a lot of energy is burned just keeping our body temperature where we need it. Even when we're sleeping, we're burning energy.

That's the whole reason animals eat -- to gain enough energy to fuel all those processes. The system works fine when there's plenty of fruit on the trees or rabbits to catch and eat (or pizzas in the freezer). But what happens when winter comes and it becomes very difficult to find food? How do animals survive with few energy sources available?

There are many winter survival strategies in the animal world, and one of the most fascinating is hibernation. Some animals enter a state of "suspended animation." Their breathing and heart rates slow and they allow their body temperature to drop, in some cases even below freezing. They stop eating and in many cases stop excreting. All of these things happen so the animal can use less energy.

Whether an animal hibernates or migrates to a warmer area is generally a quirk of evolution. Smaller animals tend to be more likely to hibernate, because migration would require an enormous amount of energy relative to their body size. Larger animals are less apt to hibernate because of the additional energy required to warm up a large body.

Hibernation is more varied than you might think. Many animals hibernate in a den all winter, but some animals hibernate in the summer. Some fish can hibernate in a waterproof mucus envelope if their lake dries up. Certain birds and bats enter a sort of daily hibernation called torpor.

On the next page, we'll discuss how hibernation is different from sleep -- and learn what happens to animals in the zoo.

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Every living animal on Earth is burning energy all the time. Physical activities like walking and breathing burn energy. Pumping blood and digesting food burns energy. Even thinking burns energy. For warm-blooded animals, a lot of energy is burned just keeping our body temperature where we need it.

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Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

As much as many people would love the splendor of sleeping away the winter, it's not a realistic dream. Some animals, however, have the luxury of skipping the harshest weather by sleeping it away in cozy dens or other homes. During hibernation, the heart and breathing rates drop tremendously, as well as the body temperature. Many reptiles, mammals, insects, amphibians and even one bird practice some form of hibernation during the winter.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Snakes hibernate during the cold of winter because they're cold-blooded animals. Surprisingly, even normally solitary snakes will create a hibernating mass; a den of over 8,000 garter snakes was once discovered in Canada, although dozens of garter snakes is more likely. Some snakes hibernate in dens with other species; the black rat snake, for example, often dens with timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. The garter snake is the last snake to go into hibernation and the first to emerge in the spring. Other species wait for warmer weather. Box turtles, on the other hand, reduce their heart rate to one beat every five to 10 minutes and they stop breathing.

Light Hibernation

Many of the mammals that are considered "light" hibernators still pack on the pounds and fat like their deep-sleeping comrades. The difference is that light sleepers take long naps rather than going into a slumber so deep they cannot be awaken. Bears, raccoons and skunks all take long naps as opposed to going into a true hibernation. While true hibernators will sometimes wake up to forage for food, light hibernators get up more frequently. Their long naps may be several days, weeks or months long, but their bodies don't go through changes as extreme or long-lasting as the true hibernators. Like true hibernators, these species lower their body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate during the winter while they're sleeping. An example of waking up for other duties and activities is bears: many give birth to and care for their young during their hibernation period.

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As much as many people would love the splendor of sleeping away the winter, it's not a realistic dream. Some animals, however, have the luxury of skipping the harshest weather by sleeping it away in cozy dens or other homes. During hibernation, the heart and breathing rates drop tremendously, as well as the body temperature.