Brave Little Bear

by Steve Small, Steve Small (Illustrator)

Overview

From internationally acclaimed picture book creator Steve Small comes a tender story about fear of change and what it means to be brave.

It’s time for Arlo the bear and his family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but he doesn’t feel ready for the big departure from the home he likes just the way it is. Sometimes Arlo wishes he could be brave like his sister, Eva. But when a snowstorm hits and separates the family as they travel through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that being brave when you’re afraid is the bravest brave of all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781665951104
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Publication date:	10/24/2023
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials. He’s the illustrator of I’m Sticking with You and the author and illustrator of The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water, Wellington’s Big Day Out, Brave Little Bear, and The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share. Steve lives in London, and when he’s not painting and drawing, you’ll likely find him feeding the crows on Blackheath Common.

Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials. He’s the illustrator of I’m Sticking with You and the author and illustrator of The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water, Wellington’s Big Day Out, Brave Little Bear, and The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share. Steve lives in London, and when he’s not painting and drawing, you’ll likely find him feeding the crows on Blackheath Common.

Editorial Reviews

2023-07-26
A bear cub awakens his courage.

Winter is nearly over, and after a long nap, it’s time for Arlo, his sister, Eva, and their mother to leave the den and travel to Spring Valley. Arlo is not sure he’s ready. He doesn’t like change. Eva is much braver, and as the trio journey to their new home, she races up the treetops and splashes in the water without a care. The trio reach a steep mountain ridge that they must cross to get to Spring Valley. Partway up the slope, a blinding late-season snowstorm descends. With snowflakes stinging his eyes, Arlo realizes that Eva has fallen behind. Without stopping to think of fear, Arlo turns back to find her. Reunited but separated from their mother, the two must make it over the ridge together. With great pluck, Arlo realizes he is braver than he thinks. Arlo and Eva are identical roly-poly little cubs, only distinguishable (slightly) by their coloring and Arlo’s blue-tinted nose. Small heightens the emotional toll of their journey with whirling snow and dramatic slides backward, with tiny, outstretched paws grasping for help. Luckily, cozy, snuggly family time (with all three together again) prevails. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A tender reminder that bravery comes from within. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews