THE ADVENTURES OF BELLE BEAR

In Akopov Guillory’s picture book, a young bear learns to be brave when she’s forced to move to another place.

Little Belle Bear loves living in Mount Bearia, where she enjoys the snow and plays with her friends. She resides in an igloo with her grandmother, Baba Bear (whose “superpower was her confidence”), and wears an orange cape that Baba Bear made to remind her of her bravery. One day, Baba Bear informs Belle Bear that they must move to a new place called Calibearia. They are greeted there by sandy beaches, warm weather, and animals they’ve never seen before. On the first day at her new school, Belle Bear discovers that she’s too shy to say anything to anyone. After school, when Belle Bear is reminded of her worth by Baba Bear, the orange cape she’d lost during the move magically reappears. Belle Bear now finds the courage to begin making friends with her classmates, and Calibearia finally feels like home. Akopov Guillory infuses this story with warmth and empathy, repeating Baba Bear’s affirming words for the benefit of both Belle Bear and young readers: “You are kind. You are curious. You are brave. You can do anything.” Ortega’s crisp and colorful illustrations complement the simple prose to evoke a sense of comfort and security. The result is an uplifting tale of finding one’s sense of self—wherever in the world one may be.

A sweet and inspiring story that encourages kids to be themselves.