I Am a Bear

USBBY 2015 Outstanding International Book

Kirkus Reviews
"A sensitive portrait. . . . Dumont portrays the `bear,' the urban setting, and the human connection with idealized tidiness, but there is food for both thought and discussion here. A naked appeal to sentiment — but also to sympathy."

Publishers Weekly
"Dumont hits at human prejudice from multiple angles, whether it's the plentitude of food the bear sees in shop windows or the way citizens wrinkle their noses as they walk past. . . . As a literal vision of the way society often dehumanizes the homeless, it's sure to be a conversation starter."

Literary Features Syndicate
“There’s a lot going on here -- compassion, empathy, plenitude in the face of poverty -- and yet the author manages to avoid being didactic by keeping the text simple and straightforward. . . . Unexpected, poignant, and relevant.”

Teacher Librarians
“A heart-breaking picture book about homelessness, compassion, and acceptance. . . . Dumont is a magnificent storyteller blending simple text with amazing illustrations. His authentic examination of homelessness is powerful and will strike a chord for those who have spent time in urban areas. . . . This book will generate lots of discussion and has the potential to change young lives for the better.”