Bearkeeper

by Josh Lacey

A thrilling adventure about a boy and a bear in the dark and dangerous streets of Elizabethan London.   “A vivid, unusual portrait of boyhood in Shakespearian England.” The Daily Telegraph    “Bloody, brutal and bold, Bearkeeper informs as it entertains and intrigues as it enlightens.” The Financial Times   “Josh Lacey brings alive Elizabethan England, especially London, with the relish of a tour guide... Bearkeeper is a well-told story with a strong sense of time and place. Pip is drawn with engaging sympathy as a growing lad trying to make his way honourably in a brutal world... this is a highly enjoyable read that firmly hooks into the turn of the 17th century, triggers interest in Shakespeare's plays and makes you pause to think about cruelties humans inflict on animals, now as well as then.” The Guardian   “An enthralling introduction to 17th-century England.” Books for Keeps   “The delights of the story and setting come through strongly in a most engaging and powerfully dramatic adventure... We recommend it firmly.” The Bookbag   “A fast paced historical tale that breathes life into Shakespearian London.” tBK

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Josh Lacey is a British writer born and raised in London. Josh worked as a journalist, a teacher and a screenwriter before writing his first book, A Dog Called Grk. He has written several other children’s books including The Dragonsitter, Island of Thieves, and The Pet Potato. He also wrote the adult book God is Brazilian, a biography of Charles Miller. He also writes under the name Joshua Doder.

Reviews

[Charlotte Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Pip found his family at the end of the book as his Mum kept hiding him from his Dad

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story!

This was my Year 4's class book (aged 8-9). Our class topic was the Tudors and this fits perfectly! It mentions many streets of London and many of the famous landmarks. The writing is superb and inspired some brilliant writing from my class. A big portion of the story takes place in The Globe theatre and you meet the many wonderful actors, stage hands and wardrobe mistress that worked there at that time, and of course you meet William Shakespeare.
It is a great book that is history rich but the story is also really great. A bit gory, but great characters and a compelling plot.

Would recommend for any teachers who teach Year 4 or above or anyone who enjoys this time period!

[Leo Margetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was all about how an eleven year old boy travels all the way to London just to see his father once. He faces many challenges and setbacks but eventually he finds GIFs father but it is bit the touching reunion he thought it would be. My favourite character was the bear that Pip adopted our token from his father. She in a way keeps Pip from dropping anything foolish but only stays with him because of gratitude to him for freeing her.