Bear Is Never Alone

The New York Times New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Books Award (2023)

A stirring, thoughtful story about the pressure to perform and the support of a true friend.

When Bear sits down at the piano, he makes beautiful music, and the other animals can't get enough. "More, more, Pianobear!" they shout. But sometimes Bear just wants to relax. Even when he tries to escape to a quiet tree branch, the voices follow him: "More! More! More!" Finally Bear snaps. No one seems to understand why he's so upset--except Zebra. Zebra loves Bear's music, but she doesn't ask him to start playing again. Instead, she brings over a book...

This moving story is the perfect companion for social-emotional lessons about choosing solitude, respecting boundaries, and building interpersonal awareness. Illustrated in striking shades of black, white, and red, Bear Is Never Alone encourages young readers to notice others' needs and care for them with kindness.

ISBN-13: 9780802856036

Media Type: Hardcover

Publisher: Eerdmans - William B. Publishing Company

Publication Date: 04-04-2023

Pages: 32

Product Dimensions: 9.20(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.40(d)

Age Range: 4 - 8 Years

Marc Veerkamp is a Dutch scriptwriter, journalist, and children's author. He was a member of the writing team for Sesamstraat, the Dutch adaptation of Sesame Street, for almost two decades, and he has written scripts for multiple plays and animated films. Bear Is Never Alone is Marc's English-language debut. Jeska Verstegen is the illustrator of over 100 books and the author of I'll Keep You Close (Levine Querido). Jeska and Marc developed Bear Is Never Alone in close collaboration, considering both words and art as they created Bear's story. Jeska lives in Amsterdam. Visit her website at jeskaverstegen.nl or follow her on Instagram @jeska_verstegen. Laura Watkinson translates books for children and adults from Dutch, German, and Italian. Her translations have received numerous honors, including three Mildred L. Batchelder Awards and the Vondel Translation Prize. She is the founder of the Dutch chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SBCWI). Laura lives in Amsterdam. Visit her website at laurawatkinson.com.