A BEAR’S YEAR launch day is finally here — Yay!

(Imagine fireworks, a parade, hundreds of balloons released)

I’ve written stories about bears that live in houses, wear clothes, decorate Christmas trees, and trick or treat. Now I’m so proud to be able to share this book about real bears doing what real bears do throughout the year. There aren’t any bears where I live, but I was awed seeing them when I visited Alaska. They are amazing animals, and the mother bears are so caring of their cubs.

There are so many people to thank for turning my poem about bears into this beautiful book. Gerry Turley’s illustrations are so perfect for this story. I love his lively bears, the beautiful palette, and tiny forest creatures that peek out of each page.

My editor, Lee Wade, with her amazing eye and attention to detail, helped me tweak my poem to be its very best. I’m so lucky that she was my editor. I’m grateful to her and all the staff of Schwartz & Wade for their part in creating this sweet book.

Of course, none of this would have happened if my agent Erin Murphy hadn’t loved these bears first.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who made this book possible!

To celebrate, I want to share a few of my favorite bear videos. I’m moved by how mama bears care for their cubs.

Mother bears teach their cubs what they need to know!

Bear mothers are so loving!

When these babies play in the road, it stops traffic!

https://vine.co/v/ebAg1Piw9bh

Mama gets her cub out of a tough spot!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH48Yx_iBYE

Here’s a mama teaches her cub how to mountain climb!

This bear knows where the eatings good!

Cubs like to play just like kids.

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