The Good Bear

I loved the idea of a story about a bear (always loved them) and Christmas (addict) as well as dreams of being a writer(my dream too) Thea the main character desperately wants a typewriter which I understand as my dad had a typewriter too which felt like a true wonder to me as a young buddy writer too. How professional the words became.It was as if this story had been written about me!!!This was a heart warming and adventurous story that kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.But there are many themes explored in this book.it's also about adapting to change. Finding a,way to fit in with unfamiliar surroundings but also new family dynamicsThe main character, Thea doesn't mince her feelings or words and it's nice to see an honest heroine. Her relationship with the bear (one all bear lovers dream of) is truly beautiful and based on their connection it's so heart warming to see her care and concern for the bears safety.And it's only through her love and determination to help the bear that brings her closer to her estranged and distant father and his new family.Setting the book in Norway was perfect as you could feel the bitterness of the cold snow. Smell the pine of the trees and the wood shavings of her father's wood workshop.It's set in 1978 , so it's pre mobile phones and social media which enhances the story as it shows a simpler time when people just spent time together, played together and enjoyed nature.I loved the eccentric 'V' in the antique store, such a colourful and fun character. A nice contrast to The starkness Thea first feels when she gets to Norway.The idea of being a writer is just so wonderfu, how Thea,wants to tell her story about bear and how he makes her feel and changes her life.But for me, it was about the moments with the bear that touched my heart. They were enchanting.There is an underlying message about cruelty to animals which indeed is cruel and unnecessary and every animal does deserve to be free. Thea is aware of the fear and trust issues bear has, which is also mirrored in her feelings about her new surroundings and family. She too, struggles to cope and find her way to find her place in the world. But this book will hopefully help raise awareness too, to stop The cruelty to animals.The illustrations are beautiful and help draw you into the pages of the story.The cover is just gorgeous.I loved this book and will recommend it to many fellow bear lovers. I can't tell you how much this book means to me in a personal level.I feel like I have been on a journey of hope, one which I hope all readers will go on too.Thank you for writing this book, Sarah Lean.

The Good Bear is a lovely read. A comforting but also exciting tale.For such a small story this encompasses many issues. Looking for love and acceptance. Listening and understanding. Trust and finding your voice. All that sounds rather heavy but it really is not. With Thea's 11 year old voice you can see all these things enfolding.Lovely descriptions of navigating Norwegian life too.A lovely book to cuddle up and share. :-)

Great read

I loved this book, it’s so sweet and lovely. Great for around Christmas. My only disappointment was the ending it wasn’t realistic as up to that point I felt it was almost possible and believable. My pupils expressed this when we read it as a class

Very interesting book, very unusual, pleasant to read story. With exaggerated emphasis on Christmas celebrations. I bought it for my daughter age 10 but I think it will be good read d even from the age 8. Would recommend.

Such a beautiful and heartwarming story, I didn't want it to end. Definitely recommended to people of all ages. I feel very Christmassy right now :)

A Christmas present for my wee grandson but looks a lovely chapter book about a wee boy befriending a bear

Sarah Lean has woven a beautifully written and heart-warming story of Thea, a young British girl who goes to spend Christmas with her estranged father's new family in Norway. When her dad appears not to want to communicate with her, Thea seeks refuge in the woods and wilds of the Norwegian forest. What she finds there helps her to realise that what really matters at Christmas-time - and indeed throughout the year - are not presents and sparkles but other, more enduring things. It is a story about the tales we tell ourselves and the true stories which others, including bears, can help us to uncover and make real if we open our hearts to them. And Fiona Woodcock's illustrations are gorgeous! Definitely one to leave for the young and the young at heart beneath the Christmas tree .