How Bear Lost His Tail

A parent might reach for this book to gently explore feelings of embarrassment after a child has been tricked or made a silly mistake. This charming folktale offers a humorous, low-stakes origin story for why bears have short, stubby tails. Proud Bear, who loves his long, bushy tail, is tricked by a sly Fox into trying to catch fish by dipping his tail into a frozen lake. The inevitable happens: his tail freezes solid and snaps right off. The story gently touches on vanity, the sting of being fooled, and the resulting shame, but its lighthearted tone and simple narrative make it a fun, accessible read. It's perfect for young children who are starting to understand social dynamics like trickery and for those who love asking "why" about the world around them.