The Ring Bear

by David Michael Slater, S.G. Brooks (Illustrations)

Full of warmth and gentle humor, this is the story of Westley, an imaginative, precocious boy, and his struggle with the intrusion of an unwanted new stepdad into the happy, comfortable family he and his mother have formed. When Westley's mother announces her engagement to Stan and asks Westley to be the “ring bear,” he feels confused, frustrated, and anxious about his changing family situation and his role in the wedding ceremony. Engaging his imagination, he envisions himself as a rascally bear who will wreak havoc during the ceremony and act out his mixed feelings about his mother and Stan. When his stepdad realizes the importance of Westley's imaginary world, he reveals his own sense of humor and fun by planning a special wedding treat for Westley that helps him transform himself into a willing ring bearer and stepson.

Genres: Picture Books, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

David Michael Slater is an acclaimed author of over 40 books of fiction and nonfiction for children, teens, and adults.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little boy and his mother love to play pirates but Mother's boyfriend is not invited into their imaginative play. But things change as the boy's mother marries the boyfriend and the boy must
accept things and changes.

[Starr Elementary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book! Anticipation of the "Ring Bear" adorably told from a little boy's perspective.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boy's mom is getting married and he isn't too pleased about the whole deal. This is a nice book about change.