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Wolf and Bear: A heartwarming story of friendship and big feelings
A heartfelt story about a playful young wolf and her best friend, Bear.The two best friends always play together, whether it’s paddling in the stream, skidding in the snow, or tumbling in the falling leaves. But sometimes Bear feels sad and wants to be alone . . .Wolf and Bear is a beautiful tale of kindness and hope, exploring the topic of depression. Authentic and sensitively illustrated, this picture book gently introduces young children to a topic which can often be difficult to discuss.Written and illustrated by the hugely talented Kate Rolfe, winner of the V&A Student Illustrator of the Year Award 2022.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rolfe
5 books3 followersHello, I’m Kate. I like to work in cyanotype (print-making with sunlight) and mixed media, as well as working digitally. I enjoy stories that ask important, and sometimes difficult questions, but in a warm and hopeful way.
I am proudly neurodivergent and enjoy talking about how our minds work differently, and how vital that is! I’m passionate about authentic storytelling and enjoy making work that is vulnerable, honest, and born of my own experiences. My books aim to meet you within the realm of your own personal experiences too, whether you are 2 years old or 102! I’m continually blown away by the messages I receive from all ages saying that they have deeply resonated with my work. It means the world to me!
Aside from writing & illustrating, I also work in a beautiful children’s bookshop, teach and lecture in illustration, and run regular drawing and writing workshops. I live in the Suffolk countryside with my wobbly cat, Pip.
I am proudly neurodivergent and enjoy talking about how our minds work differently, and how vital that is! I’m passionate about authentic storytelling and enjoy making work that is vulnerable, honest, and born of my own experiences. My books aim to meet you within the realm of your own personal experiences too, whether you are 2 years old or 102! I’m continually blown away by the messages I receive from all ages saying that they have deeply resonated with my work. It means the world to me!
Aside from writing & illustrating, I also work in a beautiful children’s bookshop, teach and lecture in illustration, and run regular drawing and writing workshops. I live in the Suffolk countryside with my wobbly cat, Pip.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 21, 2023
Bear sometimes feels very sad.
Oh come off it! How can a simple children’s book aimed at 3-6 year olds reduce a middle aged woman in her 60s to tears? That’s exactly what Kate Rolfe’s Wolf and Bear did because it’s so emotional.
Beautifully illustrated in blueish tones that perfectly echo Bear’s sadness and depression Wolf and Bear is a wonderful book for children. Wolf and Bear have a close friendship but at times life is too much for Bear and he needs space to be alone. This makes Wolf sad, but she sings her sadness and gradually draws Bear back into the light from the darkness he is feeling. Importantly, this is not a quick fix and Bear still has times when he simply wants to sit rather than play.
I loved the way Wolf and Bear is a story that allows children to explore their own difficult emotions in a safe environment. At one point Bear roars his answer to Bear with terrible anger, but Kate Rolfe helps young children understand that anger can come from a feeling of sadness so that this is a book that supports and helps the mental health of young readers.
Simply written, with plenty of repetition to support young readers and emergent writers, Wolf and Bear is not only a lovely book, it’s an important one. Through the story of Wolf and Bear, young children can learn to accept their own feelings and to understand how friendship can help as they empathise with others. I thought Wolf and Bear was just brilliant. It’s beautifully written and illustrated with an important message at its heart. Don’t miss it.
Oh come off it! How can a simple children’s book aimed at 3-6 year olds reduce a middle aged woman in her 60s to tears? That’s exactly what Kate Rolfe’s Wolf and Bear did because it’s so emotional.
Beautifully illustrated in blueish tones that perfectly echo Bear’s sadness and depression Wolf and Bear is a wonderful book for children. Wolf and Bear have a close friendship but at times life is too much for Bear and he needs space to be alone. This makes Wolf sad, but she sings her sadness and gradually draws Bear back into the light from the darkness he is feeling. Importantly, this is not a quick fix and Bear still has times when he simply wants to sit rather than play.
I loved the way Wolf and Bear is a story that allows children to explore their own difficult emotions in a safe environment. At one point Bear roars his answer to Bear with terrible anger, but Kate Rolfe helps young children understand that anger can come from a feeling of sadness so that this is a book that supports and helps the mental health of young readers.
Simply written, with plenty of repetition to support young readers and emergent writers, Wolf and Bear is not only a lovely book, it’s an important one. Through the story of Wolf and Bear, young children can learn to accept their own feelings and to understand how friendship can help as they empathise with others. I thought Wolf and Bear was just brilliant. It’s beautifully written and illustrated with an important message at its heart. Don’t miss it.
January 7, 2024
Amazing message and illustrations
May 7, 2024
I thought this was really cute
May 22, 2024
Vraiment beau conte sur la force de l'amitié et la dépression. 💖
December 23, 2023
If I could rate a book 10 out of 10 I would for Rolfe's glorious, beautiful 'Wolf and Bear'. Discussing feelings in a safe environment, this book aimed at young readers is a beautiful answer for those kids looking to understand their feelings, and how it's okay to not be happy all the time. Sometimes we are sad, sometimes we are angry, in the end, those who love us will always be there for us, and just outside the darkness. All we have to do is take the first step. Ahh Rolfe, beautifully poignant and an incredible resource for parents, children and carers as well. Delighted to have witnessed a true case of the 'why adults should read children's books'. Ordering a second copy immediately for my Child Psychotherapist mother for her work! A strong contender for anyone looking to flesh out their library, whether personal, school, home or local.
November 16, 2023
A beautiful picture book with animal characters. There's metaphor around friendship & shadows (for depression), and being friends with someone who is struggling.
The metaphor was handled perfectly. It was subtle. It can help children even if it never uses the words mental health or depression. It showed how depression can change someone's actions, and how it's okay to feel hurt by them. But how you can also still be there for them nonetheless.
The artwork was gorgeous 😍 I loved the colours. It was easy to read and very well done.
The metaphor was handled perfectly. It was subtle. It can help children even if it never uses the words mental health or depression. It showed how depression can change someone's actions, and how it's okay to feel hurt by them. But how you can also still be there for them nonetheless.
The artwork was gorgeous 😍 I loved the colours. It was easy to read and very well done.
July 17, 2024
The most beautiful illustrations.
January 5, 2026
Un livre simple au sujet complex! Très bien expliqué pour des jeunes enfants.. et faire pleurer les mamans ❤️🩹
July 7, 2024
Album touchant qui montre les reflets de la dépression et comment accompagner les personnes atteintes. Très touchant ! Les dessins sont magnifiques et représentatifs.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews