It is such a pleasure to discover male characters in children's picture books who are emotional caregivers and nurturers. That is certainly the case for the bear in There, There written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Ivan Bates for children three to seven years old.
Hansie Bear loves to play around and during his attempt to mimic a duck's walk he falls in a hole and can't climb out. His resourceful dad finds and rescues him. The father bear soothes his son with the familiar words, "there, there."
But Hansie persists is his quest for more fun, which results in his getting sand in his eyes and later bumping his head. In both instances, his dad is there to provide love, encouragement, and comfort. And when the tables are turned, Hansie knows just what to do to help his father. What goes around, comes around.
