“We all want to win, but we must never cheat.” In an ever-growing competitive world, people will do anything to win. That sentiment has been passed down to children who think cheating is acceptable if they win. In the third book in the Bobby the Bear series, Bobby the Bear and the Great Race explores the important themes of sportsmanship and integrity. Bobby, the story's protagonist, and his forest friends are conversing about who the fastest animal in the forest is.  Bobby suggests they race, but he knows he cannot win, so he becomes the judge. All the forest friends enthusiastically agreed. During the race, all the animals are close to each other, and Rachel the Rabbit pulls away at the end. However, as Rachel inched closer to the finish line, she noticed someone already standing next to Bobby; it was Tanya the Tiger. Confused, Rachel questioned Tanya about how she had won when Tanya was one of the slower animals. Finally, Tanya admitted to cheating. Rachel was upset and hopped away. Bobby calmly and gently spoke to Tanya and explained that there is more important than winning—integrity.  Bobby and Tanya went to find Rachel and all the other animal friends so Tanya could apologize. That night, Tanya presented a crown to the fastest animal in the forest, Rachel.

The story Bobby the Bear and the Great Race shows the damage that can be caused if someone cheats—losing friendship, trust, and integrity. Tanya the Tiger learns, like the readers will, that playing fairly and honestly is more important than winning and losing.

“I can’t do it!” It’s a sentiment that many children have expressed. The idea or belief that you can’t do something can ruin confidence in a student. In Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest, readers can explore the theme of persistence alongside Bobby. Ollie, a baby owlet, is trying to build a special nest for his sister, Olive. After failing at the task, however, Ollie throws a tantrum. He is overheard by Bobby the Bear. Bobby, a big brother and mentor to many of his forest friends, attempts to console his little friend. Bobby explains that we sometimes fail, but it’s okay. He even provides an example to Ollie about a time he failed five times to build his first bed. Bobby encourages Ollie not to give up and not to allow adversity to defeat him.

Another element added to the story is Bobby’s patience, generosity, and kindness towards his friend Ollie. Parents, teachers, guardians, older siblings, and friends must remember to be patient, generous, and kind when trying to help a young person struggling with failure. Too many times, people get upset or angry. This only makes someone want to give up more.

Bobby teaches children not to give up with adversity strikes. He also teaches others to be patient and kind when helping someone struggling with failure.

 Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest explores the common theme of persistence and, at the same time, touches on the theme of patience.

“Surprise! Happy Birthday!” Surprised for any special occasion, especially for children, is a great feeling. That feeling of surprise is something that can last a lifetime. In Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise, readers can explore the important theme of friendship. Bobby, the protagonist of the series, happily wakes up on his birthday, excited to share the day with all his friends at their favorite hangout spot, the lake. On the way to the lake, Bobby stops by the house of several of his friends, who are not home. He finally makes his way to the lake and waits for his friends to arrive. After a lengthy wait, Bobby thinks his friends have forgotten about him and his birthday. Feeling sad and alone, Bobby returns home to receive the best birthday surprise—all his friends are there to celebrate his birthday!

The story Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise delves into friendship’s importance in our lives, especially for children. The story shows that our friends will always be there for us, even when we think we are alone. Bobby learns (as readers will) that friendship is a key component of our lives, and we should never underestimate ourselves and believe that our friends will forget or ignore us.

The story also shows how friends must be there for one another, especially after recent events. Isolation and separation can severely and negatively impact one’s life. As friends, we need to always be there for our friends and let them know they are never forgotten, never alone, and always loved.