Bear Is a Bear

Bear is a constant companion to a little girl. Sometimes Bear becomes a snack as the little girl chews on him. Sometimes he is a tissue as she sneezes on him. Sometimes he is a big, soft pillow. But he is always full of love. As she gets older, their games change, and Bear becomes a fancy lady or a pirate or a ghost. When the little girl is afraid, Bear is her protector. But always Bear is full of love. As she gets older, Bear becomes a memory and is put away in storage. And there he stays until the girl has a little girl of her own. Then Bear, worn and faded, has a new companion, and he is still full of love.

Jonathan Stutzman has written a sweet story about just how important a special toy can be for a child––all that toy can become and what it can mean to that child, and how wonderful it can be to share that special toy with a new generation. The illustrations by Dan Santat are the perfect companion to the story. They are soft and warm, with rich colors and lovely details. This will become a favorite.