Bear Feels Sad

by Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman (Illustrator)

Overview

Bear has the lonely day blues waiting for his friends to have free time in this new picture book in the bestselling series.

Bear feels sad. All his friends are off being busy and he’s by himself. He can’t think of anything to do to cheer himself up. Even building a fort is no fun! But when he finds a beautiful field of flowers, Bear gets the perfect idea to turn his day around: gathering gifts to share with his friends when they get back!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781665936576
Publisher:	Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Series:	Bear Books Series
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	11.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Karma Wilson is the bestselling author of several picture books, including the Bear Books series; Where Is Home, Little Pip?; and A Dog Named Doug. Karma lives in Montana.

Jane Chapman is the illustrator of over one hundred books for children, including Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman and I Love My Mama by Peter Kavanagh, as well as Karma Wilson’s Bear Books series and Mortimer’s Christmas Manger. She lives with her family in Dorset, England. Visit Jane at JaneKChapman.com.

Editorial Reviews

"A read sure to banish melancholy feelings once and for all."

Kirkus

"Bear Feels Sad is a rhyming tale about taking care of each other. It’s important, it’s beautiful, and it’s an excellent way to teach empathy to the very young."

5/1/25 - School Library Journal

2024-12-28
Friends can brighten one’s disposition.

Deep in his lair, Bear’s lonely because no one’s around to play with him. Mouse, Wren, and Owl are foraging, while Hare’s helping his sister dig weeds. Badger’s fishing, and Gopher and Mole are digging tunnels. Raven, writing poetry, can’t be disturbed. “I’m bored!” sighs Bear. “I don’t want to be alone!” “And the bear feels sad”—a refrain the rhyming text repeats frequently. Bear’s carrot snack isn’t so tasty when there’s no one to share it with. Building a blanket fort passes the time, but it isn’t nearly as much fun on his own. Even the discovery of a field filled with beautiful flowers is cause for unhappiness—his buddies can’t see them. Bear fashions bouquets uniquely suited to each friend. Thinking about his pals gladdens him somewhat, and he heads home. Near his den, Bear hears voices: His friends have returned, bearing gifts for him from their exploits. Raven reads his poem, and Bear distributes his bouquets. Everyone plays and chats. Bear’s mood now? “GLAD!” This sweet tale, expressed in well-constructed verse, makes keen observations about how the warmth of camaraderie can swiftly turn sadness to joy. The sunshine-bright acrylic illustrations, featuring endearing animal characters, will lift readers’ spirits as the kindness of Bear’s companions boosts his own.

A read sure to banish melancholy feelings once and for all.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews