My Boyfriend is a Bear

by Pamela Ribon, Cat Farris (Illustrator)

Overview

The delightful story of Nora who, after a succession of terrible boyfriends, finds a much happier relationship with a 500-pound American black bear.

"Funny and sweet. Your next book boyfriend gives great hugs." -–– Rainbow Rowell

"I never expected to write a book recommendation that said: I wish I had a boyfriend who was a bear. But now I do." –– JoJo Moyes

Bear meets girl.

Nora has bad luck with men. When she meets an (actual) bear on a hike in the Los Angeles hills, he turns out to be the best romantic partner she’s ever had! He’s considerate, he’s sweet, he takes care of her. But he’s a bear, and winning over her friends and family is difficult. Not to mention he has to hibernate all winter. Can true love conquer all?

Written by Pamela Ribon (SLAM!, Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet) and illustrated by Cat Farris (Emily and the Strangers).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620104873
Publisher:	Oni Press
Publication date:	04/17/2018
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	632,065
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Pamela Ribon co-created and currently writes the roller derby comic SLAM! from BOOM! Studios, and has penned guest issues of RICK AND MORTY™ from Oni Press. Her screenwriting work includes Disney’s Moana and Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. She's a best-selling author, frequent troublemaker, and true fan of you.

Cat Farris is a native Portlander, an artist, and pretty sure she's just making this up as she goes along. Her previous work includes art on Emily and the Strangers. She is supported in this venture by the world's most beautiful husband, the laziest greyhound, and an all-star cast of Helioscope studiomates.

Editorial Reviews

★ 02/12/2018
Ribon (Slam!) and Farris (Emily and the Strangers) collaborate to deliver a winning slice-of-life romantic comedy with a twist. After dumping her latest terrible boyfriend, 28-year-old Nora unexpectedly falls in love with an American black bear she meets in the woods. “The bear” is no ordinary wild animal: he’s kind, wears a hip Arcade Fire T-shirt, and has a great fondness for juggling, cuddling, and craft beer. The two enjoy a nearly idyllic life together, despite objections from Nora’s family and friends, but when their honeymoon phase passes, Nora’s life falls apart all over again—before winter sets in, the bear must abandon her to hibernate in the mountains. Ribon’s use of magical realism is a delight from cover to cover, as she cleverly navigates the foibles of millennial dating and friendships. Farris’s cartooning is as expressive as it is adorable, inviting the reader to share Nora and the bear’s intimacy with every panel. This resonant, absurdist modern fable is a joyful discovery. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"MY BOYFRIEND IS A BEAR is an incredibly fun, flirtatious, and hilarious romance that I found myself uncontrollably laughing out loud "to! Farris and Ribon are amazing at comedic timing, and the art is just so delightful."

Leila del Luca (Shutter

"A sort of alt-Disney meets Jane Austen, this delightful confection showcases an unconventional relationship that will pull giggles and snuffles from romance lovers."

BOOKLIST

"This book made me laugh and cry. Bittersweet, unsentimental and as honest as a book about a bear boyfriend can be."

Jojo Moyes

02/01/2018
Twentysomething Nora bounces numerous suitors for oddball flaws (like wearing suspenders), but when she drunkenly invites a hungry black bear in to raid the refrigerator, it's mutual fireworks—and suddenly flaws dwindle to mere challenges. Surprisingly considerate and tender, Bear learns to wear clothes and builds shelves for the cat. Nora adapts to his appetite and messiness and sticks up for him when friends protest. We could take this as a parable about what folks do for amour (chemistry always wins out) and that anyone's knotty courtship problems can be handled. But mostly it's just good fun with nothing icky or salacious. Ribon boasts numerous writing credits at Disney, including serving as a consultant on DisneyNature's Bears. Farris (Emily and the Strangers) works the rom-com formula to the hilt in a colorful cartoony style, using chibi figures occasionally for extreme emotions. VERDICT A sort of alt-Disney meets Jane Austen, this delightful confection showcases an unconventional relationship that will pull giggles and snuffles from romance lovers.—MC

Library Journal

Read More