The need for this book exists but unless it was specifically requested, I won’t be recommending it. The book is overly long but does follow the standard format of a book meant to teach something. You have a concept that’s repeated and then the main character experiences the concept and learn from what they saw before. In this case it’s an egg that doesn’t hatch with the rest and a bear that got held back a grade. Overall, this book would be a nice way of explaining why someone might need held back but as mentioned before it’s overly long and more preachy than entertaining.

This book is a wonderful addition to principal, classroom, and social worker libraries. It clearly illustrates how sometimes the gift of time is the very best gift that someone can be given, and it shows it in a non-threatening parallel way.

I did recommend to the publisher to not have the child called “stupid” by another kid. I would be more likely to share the book with a struggling child if that page were replaced with an insensitive question “why did you get the math wrong?” Or “why are you still reading those books?” or “why does your book not have many words?”.

……
A HUGE THANK YOU to the author and the publisher. I am honored and humbled that the final version of this book will be updated based on my feedback. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical book. It will help so many families. 🥰

This book really pulled my heartstrings. it was well written and the illustrations made it even more real. Bannie struggles to keep up in class, get therefore teased and excluded, even though he tries hard, he cant seem to do it. his teacher and parents agree that Bannie should stay in the same grade for another year and he really doesn't want this to happen at first, however then when his mum explains that she wants to give him the greatest gift of all, which is time. he agrees with her and he ends up doing really well in class now and even helps another child that isn't doing so well in his new class nor has any friends at first.

Its a very heart warming story and a very good book to read with children that do have to stay in the same grade, or for children that have another classmate that is behind in class or stays in the same grade for an extra year, as sometimes parents will say the wrong things to kids, as it is really the truth. the greatest gift of all is: Time.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

This children's book tells the story of a little bear who struggles at school due to a learning disability. When he learns he will have to repeat a grade he is nervous at first but learns that sometimes working at your own pace means that you don't feel rushed, you can feel confident and you can make new friends. Through a comparison with a baby chick who takes a bit longer to hatch and grow, both Bannie and the reader learn that everyone learns at their own pace and that's ok.

As a teacher, I don't believe in holding young children back in most cases. The practice is becoming less and less common and I think that's a good thing. That being said, it still happens, and books like this one need to be written and shared. Children with disabilities often benefit from social stories, a simple text that explains a social situation positively and can be referred back to. I think this book could act as a social story, being reread by a family, preparing a child or normalizing the idea of repeating a grade. I would recommend this book to parents of young children with disabilities and school staff at schools where repeating a grade occurs. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a lovely well written story about a bear that needed a bit more time to learn what the other were learning and had to be kept back a year. This story is a wonderful tool for both students and parents to understand that it's okay to need the gift of time. A wonderful addition to all early years classroom libraries

This picture book will be a great resource for a parent, teacher, therapist or other adults to read with a child who needs to repeat an early grade in school. The story is simple, told with understanding and has a parallel process with a young chick who also needs time to develop. This book is accepting and non-judgmental; it will add to the self-esteem of a child who is unable to move ahead with their class.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Bannie bear repeats a grade by Sue Stewart.
Lovingly crafted to support young children with learning difficulties like dyslexia, this beautiful tale helps parents and kids alike to navigate the challenges that come with school and embrace their differences.
A lovely little read. Loved illustrations. Great for little ones. 5,*.