Norris The Bear Who Shared

Story

Norris, the wise old bear, sits patiently under the plorringe tree, waiting for his favourite fruit to drop. But EVERYONE loves plorringes and Tulip the racoon and Violet the mouse, climb into the tree to get their paws on the ripening fruit first. Find out what happens when the plorringe suddenly falls from the tree!

Why we chose it

A gentle story with the beautiful water-colour illustrations that Catherine Rayner is known for. A story about being willing to wait, being kind to friends and exploring the world with all your senses.

Where it came from

Catherine Rayner(1982) was born and grew up in Harrogate, but now lives in Edinburgh with her husband and sons.The inspiration for her illustration often comes from her many pets including her horse Shannon, guinea pig Marvin, dog Ellie, cat Ena, and goldfish Bruce.

Where it went next

With its gentle watercolour illustrations and themes of kindness, sharing and patience, The Bear Who Shared was nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2011 and was also included in The Sunday Times 100 Children’s Modern Classics List in 2014.

Associated stories

Augustus and His Smile won the Booktrust Early Years, Best New Illustrator Award for Rayner in 2006. She went on to win the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2009 for Harris Finds his Feet. She has also won awards for Iris and Isaac, and Smelly Louis. Soloman Crocodile was Picture Book of the Year in the Netherlands in 2014 and went on to be animated and adapted for the stage.

Agatha has been translated into Dutch, German and French.