Brookfield Library Organizes 'Virtual Bear Hunt'

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Brookfield Library is inviting all Brookfield residents to place a stuffed bear in their window, on their porch, or in their yard for children to see on a "virtual bear hunt."

"With families now practicing social distancing, the daily walk or drive is taking on more meaning," said Library Director Yvonne Cech.

This activity is based on the almost 30-year old children’s story, "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. It has recently become a viral pastime for parents and children exploring their neighborhood, Cech said.

In the book, three children, their parents and the family dog face their fears and trek through tall grass, swim across a river, slosh through mud, hike through a forest, fight their way through a snowstorm and tiptoe through a cave in order to find a bear.

Head of the library's Children's Services, Debbie Brooks said, "This is such an uncertain time for many families. Children need comfort, reassurance and a routine to help calm them. What better way to do that than with teddy bears? Families can read bear stories together at bedtime, and search for bears in their neighborhood during the day."

If you don't have a stuffed animal, you can still participate by drawing a bear, cutting out a picture, or choosing one to color. Tell your favorite bear stories, or take a picture of yourself, your child or your grandchild reading to a bear, and post it to the new "Brookfield Library Bear Hunt" page. You can also post to Instagram at #brookfieldbearhunt. The library will share updates about how many bears have been spotted around Brookfield and have a celebration of bears and bear books when it's safe for the library to reopen.

The Brookfield Library Bear Hunt will take place throughout April.