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The Good Bear
A story of friendship to treasure this Christmas . . . From the bestselling author of A DOG CALLED HOMELESS, this is the perfect Christmas gift for fans of Michael Morpurgo, Lauren St John and Sara Pennypacker's PAX. It’s the Christmas holidays and Thea is looking forward to spending them with her father. She can tell him all about her plans to become a writer, and maybe he’ll buy her the typewriter she’s been dreaming of. But when Thea arrives in snowy Norway, everything feels . . . wrong. Her father is as distant as ever and now she has to share him with his new his girlfriend Inge and her children. Then Thea makes a surprising discovery. Deep in the snowy woods by the house, is a bear. He’s scared and hungry and he desperately needs Thea’s help. When the town hears about a bear living in the woods, Bear’s life is in even greater danger. Thea needs to show everyone that he’s not dangerous – he’s a good bear – if she’s to save him.A gorgeous Christmas story for readers aged 9+ that will warm your heart and take you on an adventure you will never forget. Beautifully illustrated by award-winning illustrator Fiona Woodcock, the artist behind Abi Elphinstone's The Snow Dragon. 'A big, beautiful hug of a book and the perfect winter companion' Phil Earle, author of When the Sky Falls 'A heart-warming story' Abi Elphinstone, author of The Unmapped Chronicles series 'Beautiful, wise and tender' Zillah Bethell, author of The Shark Caller'When she meets a bear in the woods, it leads to a transformative friendship that will help to mend the family’s divisions' The Telegraph's best new children’s books to buy for Christmas 2021 'Author Sarah Lean and illustrator Fiona Woodcock build a beautiful, wintery world for this story about family and friendship' The Scotsman 'Sarah Lean’s beautifully written story about a lonely girl and a brown bear is a modern fairytale' Booktrust 'Beautifully written with lovely illustrations, this heart-warming animal story is a real delight - perfect for cosy winter reading' The Week JuniorReaders love The Good 'A story which reminds us that Christmas is about family and togetherness' Amazon reviewer 'This was a heart warming and adventurous story that kept me turning the pages to see what happened next' Amazon reviewer 'A lovely book to cuddle up and share' Amazon reviewer 'Such a beautiful and heartwarming story.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
15 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lean
22 books113 followersMy fascination with animals began when I was aged 8 and a stray cat walked in the back door and decided to adopt me. As a child, I wanted to be a writer and used to dictate stories to my mother, but eventually I bought a laptop and decided I could type them myself. I live in Dorset and share the space around my desk with two dogs, Harry and Coco. MA in Creative and Critical Writing from University of Winchester.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 2, 2020
A search for love.
A beautifully written book with a beautiful tale.
Everyone wants love, to give love, to receive love.
Written for children 7 and above but this old lady loved it too!
Thea is off to her Dads for Christmas. She wants to tell him she aims to be a writer and he might buy her a typewriter.
But things don’t go to plan.
When she meets this dear old bear she learns lots more.
Loved it and recommended for a brilliant gift to any child.
A beautifully written book with a beautiful tale.
Everyone wants love, to give love, to receive love.
Written for children 7 and above but this old lady loved it too!
Thea is off to her Dads for Christmas. She wants to tell him she aims to be a writer and he might buy her a typewriter.
But things don’t go to plan.
When she meets this dear old bear she learns lots more.
Loved it and recommended for a brilliant gift to any child.
October 28, 2021
a beautifully written, heartwarming and perfectly christmassy story of a girl, a bear and how they help each other find their place in the world. (I would very much like this to get a movie adaptation please and thank you.)
February 28, 2022
cute!!
May 12, 2024
I love this book—and I mean LOVE 😍🤩
The mc is a writer, there is a quirky vintage-loving side character, and it's set in a literal winter wonderland!! Not to mention there is a very sweet bear involved 🐻❤️
The writing was very easy to get into, and I very quickly related to the Thea. It honestly broke my heart when she didn't get her typewriter in the beginning, but what a story it all started...
Also, I realised this author wrote some of my favourite books when I was 11 and 12, so there's that too 😝
The mc is a writer, there is a quirky vintage-loving side character, and it's set in a literal winter wonderland!! Not to mention there is a very sweet bear involved 🐻❤️
The writing was very easy to get into, and I very quickly related to the Thea. It honestly broke my heart when she didn't get her typewriter in the beginning, but what a story it all started...
Also, I realised this author wrote some of my favourite books when I was 11 and 12, so there's that too 😝
February 7, 2021
Thea feels bitterly disappointed when she is sent to Norway to visit her father for Christmas but the heartfelt reunion and bonding she was hoping for doesn't materialise. Then while exploring the woods near the house, she discovers a lonely, bedraggled bear who is more scared of her and all humans.
Such a lovely, touching story. I really felt for both Thea and Bear, they had such a sweet relationship, both needing someone they could trust in. The descriptions of the scenery and of Bear were wonderful too.
Such a lovely, touching story. I really felt for both Thea and Bear, they had such a sweet relationship, both needing someone they could trust in. The descriptions of the scenery and of Bear were wonderful too.
November 6, 2021
Always seems to be middle grade books that hit me the hardest. This is a beautiful little winter novel.
January 18, 2022
Lovely
October 19, 2020
W Harrison
I loved the idea of a story about a bear (always loved them) and Christmas (addict) as well as dreams of being a writer(my dream too) Thea the main character desperately wants a typewriter which I understand as my dad had a typewriter too which felt like a true wonder to me as a young buddy writer too. How professional the words became.
It was as if this story had been written about me!!!
This was a heart warming and adventurous story that kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
But there are many themes explored in this book.it's also about adapting to change. Finding a,way to fit in with unfamiliar surroundings but also new family dynamics
The main character, Thea doesn't mince her feelings or words and it's nice to see an honest heroine. Her relationship with the bear (one all bear lovers dream of) is truly beautiful and based on their connection it's so heart warming to see her care and concern for the bears safety.
And it's only through her love and determination to help the bear that brings her closer to her estranged and distant father and his new family.
Setting the book in Norway was perfect as you could feel the bitterness of the cold snow. Smell the pine of the trees and the wood shavings of her father's wood workshop.
It's set in 1978 , so it's pre mobile phones and social media which enhances the story as it shows a simpler time when people just spent time together, played together and enjoyed nature.
I loved the eccentric 'V' in the antique store, such a colourful and fun character. A nice contrast to The starkness Thea first feels when she gets to Norway.
The idea of being a writer is just so wonderfu, how Thea,wants to tell her story about bear and how he makes her feel and changes her life.
But for me, it was about the moments with the bear that touched my heart. They were enchanting.
There is an underlying message about cruelty to animals which indeed is cruel and unnecessary and every animal does deserve to be free. Thea is aware of the fear and trust issues bear has, which is also mirrored in her feelings about her new surroundings and family. She too, struggles to cope and find her way to find her place in the world. But this book will hopefully help raise awareness too, to stop The cruelty to animals.
The illustrations are beautiful and help draw you into the pages of the story.The cover is just gorgeous.
I loved this book and will recommend it to many fellow bear lovers. I can't tell you how much this book means to me in a personal level.
I feel like I have been on a journey of hope, one which I hope all readers will go on too.
Thank you for writing this book, Sarah Lean.
I loved the idea of a story about a bear (always loved them) and Christmas (addict) as well as dreams of being a writer(my dream too) Thea the main character desperately wants a typewriter which I understand as my dad had a typewriter too which felt like a true wonder to me as a young buddy writer too. How professional the words became.
It was as if this story had been written about me!!!
This was a heart warming and adventurous story that kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
But there are many themes explored in this book.it's also about adapting to change. Finding a,way to fit in with unfamiliar surroundings but also new family dynamics
The main character, Thea doesn't mince her feelings or words and it's nice to see an honest heroine. Her relationship with the bear (one all bear lovers dream of) is truly beautiful and based on their connection it's so heart warming to see her care and concern for the bears safety.
And it's only through her love and determination to help the bear that brings her closer to her estranged and distant father and his new family.
Setting the book in Norway was perfect as you could feel the bitterness of the cold snow. Smell the pine of the trees and the wood shavings of her father's wood workshop.
It's set in 1978 , so it's pre mobile phones and social media which enhances the story as it shows a simpler time when people just spent time together, played together and enjoyed nature.
I loved the eccentric 'V' in the antique store, such a colourful and fun character. A nice contrast to The starkness Thea first feels when she gets to Norway.
The idea of being a writer is just so wonderfu, how Thea,wants to tell her story about bear and how he makes her feel and changes her life.
But for me, it was about the moments with the bear that touched my heart. They were enchanting.
There is an underlying message about cruelty to animals which indeed is cruel and unnecessary and every animal does deserve to be free. Thea is aware of the fear and trust issues bear has, which is also mirrored in her feelings about her new surroundings and family. She too, struggles to cope and find her way to find her place in the world. But this book will hopefully help raise awareness too, to stop The cruelty to animals.
The illustrations are beautiful and help draw you into the pages of the story.The cover is just gorgeous.
I loved this book and will recommend it to many fellow bear lovers. I can't tell you how much this book means to me in a personal level.
I feel like I have been on a journey of hope, one which I hope all readers will go on too.
Thank you for writing this book, Sarah Lean.
December 19, 2020
beautiful Christmas read, I adored it so much. the characters and bear were so unique.
October 10, 2020
This was such a lovely story, one that shows the spirit of Christmas doesn't always mean a lot of decorations and buying gifts. It also was a tale of how a family can come in various shapes and sizes and that sometimes effort is needed to make those families, well, families.
I loved how raw and emotional our MC Thea is, not to mention she was in a situation that a lot of children are in with parents being separated and I really appreciated Lean writing a story for children like that.
It was also so whimsical not just in its wintry setting but the story of Thea and the bear as well. Fantastically told and set up to be a perfect winter's tale, whether one celebrates Christmas or not, it's about family and adventure and the unexpected things that bring us together.
Thank you so much to the Publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved how raw and emotional our MC Thea is, not to mention she was in a situation that a lot of children are in with parents being separated and I really appreciated Lean writing a story for children like that.
It was also so whimsical not just in its wintry setting but the story of Thea and the bear as well. Fantastically told and set up to be a perfect winter's tale, whether one celebrates Christmas or not, it's about family and adventure and the unexpected things that bring us together.
Thank you so much to the Publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 23, 2022
So disappointing! This was not what I was expecting at all: way too much child angst/drama and not enough of the bear.
This book is let down by an woefully unsympathetic main character: so much whining and complaining, far too much waffling about bEiNg A wRiTeR (and enough with the blasted typewriter!), a complete disregard for any culture outside her own (materialistic) worldview, and an embarrassing amount of angst, petulance, and entitlement… she was exhausting. I didn’t enjoy spending so much time in the MC’s head. The dad clearly didn’t want anything to do with her, why was she even there in the first place? They were both awful in their own right. I felt bad for the Norwegian family caught in the crosshairs of these two idiots.
There was way too much filler and the pacing was off throughout the book. This book felt too long: it’s a reasonably short story padded out with loads of unnecessary dialogue/streams of consciousness/detail. The story was predictable which made slogging through the filler all the more frustrating.
The sense of place wasn’t as strong as it could have been and I feel like any attempts to transport the reader to Norway were thwarted by the MC pining after England the whole damn time.
The ending was quite dark, unnecessarily drawn out, and tedious
The bear was the only redeeming part of the book and the illustrations were cute; sadly, these positive elements weren’t enough to save it. The MC managed to dampen the bear bits with her obsession, anthropomorphizing, and projection of attachment issues which just made the whole thing fall flat.
This book is let down by an woefully unsympathetic main character: so much whining and complaining, far too much waffling about bEiNg A wRiTeR (and enough with the blasted typewriter!), a complete disregard for any culture outside her own (materialistic) worldview, and an embarrassing amount of angst, petulance, and entitlement… she was exhausting. I didn’t enjoy spending so much time in the MC’s head. The dad clearly didn’t want anything to do with her, why was she even there in the first place? They were both awful in their own right. I felt bad for the Norwegian family caught in the crosshairs of these two idiots.
There was way too much filler and the pacing was off throughout the book. This book felt too long: it’s a reasonably short story padded out with loads of unnecessary dialogue/streams of consciousness/detail. The story was predictable which made slogging through the filler all the more frustrating.
The sense of place wasn’t as strong as it could have been and I feel like any attempts to transport the reader to Norway were thwarted by the MC pining after England the whole damn time.
The ending was quite dark, unnecessarily drawn out, and tedious
The bear was the only redeeming part of the book and the illustrations were cute; sadly, these positive elements weren’t enough to save it. The MC managed to dampen the bear bits with her obsession, anthropomorphizing, and projection of attachment issues which just made the whole thing fall flat.
December 17, 2021
This was an upsetting book. Poor Thea trying to work out why her father abandoned her leaving her mother and moving to Norway. She has tried to make a connection with him asking for a typewriter on a few occasions which was largely ignored. She is invited to spend Christmas with her father. When she arrives she realises that she is to stay with her father, his girlfriend and her 3 children. Complete neglect of the poor child and lack of communication does not make up for a happy time. So Thea runs out to the woods on her own. And meets up with an escaped bear. The bear has been trained and so it’s not too surprising that it does not attack her. And a friendship is built up. In theory there is a happy ending with her father finally helping to get to the bear to a safe refuge with the girlfriend and her children pitching in to help and support. However it’s way too late and I don’t think it comes anywhere close to showing a proper relationship with the father. Definitely not a book to be read by a child of a broken family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2021
This isn’t the rose-tinted Christmas story I was expecting (and in some ways looking forward to!) – it explores the memories of Ursula’s mother, Thea, as she tells the tale of a Christmas in Norway with her estranged father and step family. There is pain, hurt, misunderstanding and mess, but in the middle of it all, Thea encounters a bear hiding in the forest. Both hiding from their past, they bond and form a relationship where, during the course of the story, both protect each other, until in the end the bear is the force that finally allows Thea to connect with her father. After a slow beginning, in the end this was a heart-warmer – and one that also opened my eyes to what Christmas is like in a different culture.
November 15, 2021
Such a sweet book!! Perfect little Christmas bedtime story :)
February 12, 2022
this would make a lovely animated Christmas film a la klaus
December 27, 2021
This such a lovely cosy Christmas boo. I loved the bear sooo much and the less character is so amazing🤗
February 18, 2024
Beautiful and wonderfully written. A Christmas story for children, but also very suitable if you are a little older 😉 💚 love it!
January 17, 2021
Aimed at the young reader (7+) but i also loved it at 60 :-)
A beautiful little story about looking for love and finding understanding of those around you. A story about giving people a chance to love you. Very current ideas about blended families and different cultures.
I have come to know Norway through marrying into a Norwegian relatives :-) and Thea's voyage of discovering "Norwegian style" rang so true. Makes you want to go over there straight away.
Highly recommended for shared reading. A real feel good story, but exciting too.
A beautiful little story about looking for love and finding understanding of those around you. A story about giving people a chance to love you. Very current ideas about blended families and different cultures.
I have come to know Norway through marrying into a Norwegian relatives :-) and Thea's voyage of discovering "Norwegian style" rang so true. Makes you want to go over there straight away.
Highly recommended for shared reading. A real feel good story, but exciting too.
December 30, 2021
It was good, however it was slightly under my age group.
November 15, 2020
Absolutely blown away.
Took a while to feel empathy with the main character but by the end felt completely at awe with the way Sarah wrote the story.
Read in one day from a recommendation from my mum! I am one lucky daughter :)
Never have I ever felt a story far better timed. The world needs this book right now it will restore your happiness level and remind you that lovely people do exist :)
Thank you mum for giving me this incredible story to read- I will cherish this story for a long time and feel like making it part of my christmas every year!
Took a while to feel empathy with the main character but by the end felt completely at awe with the way Sarah wrote the story.
Read in one day from a recommendation from my mum! I am one lucky daughter :)
Never have I ever felt a story far better timed. The world needs this book right now it will restore your happiness level and remind you that lovely people do exist :)
Thank you mum for giving me this incredible story to read- I will cherish this story for a long time and feel like making it part of my christmas every year!
September 14, 2020
The Good Bear is a wonderfully wintry, heartwarming tale to enjoy in the lead up to Christmas. It is Hygge all wrapped up in a book!
Rich descriptions of snowy Scandinavian landscapes decorated by pine trees, rustic log cabins, chunky knitwear and roaring fires evoke the most wonderfully festive feelings as we follow twelve year old Thea to Norway in a very special Christmas adventure.
After her parents divorced when she was four, Thea an aspiring writer dreams of re-kindling the bond with her estranged father. In her mind she writes the story of the relationship she wants to have with him. She fantasises about the typewriter he'll buy her, the interest he'll show in her and her writing and imagines the father and daughter time they'll spend together.
However, once in Norway Thea's happy ending quickly comes unravelled as she realises that Henry, 'the man who used to be her dad' has drifted far away from her. Surrounded by his new Norwegian family, Thea feels further from Henry than she ever had back home in England.
Then comes the wonderful story within the story...
Alone and despondent in the woods Thea meets a bear. He seems as out of place there as she is and until now, he knew humans only through pain. But Thea gains the animal's trust and a touching and tender relationship develops between Thea and her bear. She is determined to protect him at all costs and this strength of character will prove crucial as to whether or not she is able to re-write the story of any future relationship she might have with her father.
Through her writing and her love for her Bear, Thea realises Christmas isn't about typewriters, tinsel, turkeys or trees it's about the coming together with loved-ones. The story re-affirms to us all the true meaning and magic of the holiday season which can so easily be lost for children growing up in such a commercial age. The Scandinavian traditions of making, rather than buying simple gifts for one another as the characters did in the story show the beauty of a heartfelt hand-made gift.
The Good Bear is the perfect pre-Christmas read, to enjoy alongside holiday preparations. Although a lovely book for the classroom, as a parent I feel it would be best enjoyed snuggled up on the sofa by the light of the Christmas tree - just as the grown-up Thea Wittington shares the story with her daughter every year on Christmas Eve...
With thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's UK for providing me with a digital copy of the book to review in advance of publication.
Rich descriptions of snowy Scandinavian landscapes decorated by pine trees, rustic log cabins, chunky knitwear and roaring fires evoke the most wonderfully festive feelings as we follow twelve year old Thea to Norway in a very special Christmas adventure.
After her parents divorced when she was four, Thea an aspiring writer dreams of re-kindling the bond with her estranged father. In her mind she writes the story of the relationship she wants to have with him. She fantasises about the typewriter he'll buy her, the interest he'll show in her and her writing and imagines the father and daughter time they'll spend together.
However, once in Norway Thea's happy ending quickly comes unravelled as she realises that Henry, 'the man who used to be her dad' has drifted far away from her. Surrounded by his new Norwegian family, Thea feels further from Henry than she ever had back home in England.
Then comes the wonderful story within the story...
Alone and despondent in the woods Thea meets a bear. He seems as out of place there as she is and until now, he knew humans only through pain. But Thea gains the animal's trust and a touching and tender relationship develops between Thea and her bear. She is determined to protect him at all costs and this strength of character will prove crucial as to whether or not she is able to re-write the story of any future relationship she might have with her father.
Through her writing and her love for her Bear, Thea realises Christmas isn't about typewriters, tinsel, turkeys or trees it's about the coming together with loved-ones. The story re-affirms to us all the true meaning and magic of the holiday season which can so easily be lost for children growing up in such a commercial age. The Scandinavian traditions of making, rather than buying simple gifts for one another as the characters did in the story show the beauty of a heartfelt hand-made gift.
The Good Bear is the perfect pre-Christmas read, to enjoy alongside holiday preparations. Although a lovely book for the classroom, as a parent I feel it would be best enjoyed snuggled up on the sofa by the light of the Christmas tree - just as the grown-up Thea Wittington shares the story with her daughter every year on Christmas Eve...
With thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's UK for providing me with a digital copy of the book to review in advance of publication.
October 16, 2020
A beautiful Christmassy tale that will pull at your heartstrings and make you feel warm inside this winter.
Aspiring writer Thea is sad when she finds out she must spend Christmas with her father and his new family in Norway. Her hopes are brightened though at the thought of building a relationship with her dad and hopefully coming home with the typewriter she's been heavily hinting at in her letters to him. Arriving in the strange and foreign country, Thea feels replaced by Henry's new family and finds it impossible to connect with her father. Feeling abandoned, unwelcome, and out of place, Thea stomps off to the forest and kicks her boot off, right onto a snowdrift covering a cave. Inside the cave is a bear, escaped from a place in Russia where humans abused him and used him as entertainment. Both feeling unloved, Thea and the bear find solace in each other. And they will do anything to protect the other from humans that want to hurt them.
This magical wintry story was the perfect piece of escapism. I loved the characters and their arcs, particularly Thea as she transitioned from stubborn and ungrateful to thankful and accepting of other traditions. Her journey of self-discovery was brilliantly crafted. Her friendship with the bear was captivating; there was such a raw sense of realism that proved animals and humans could develop a connection despite the animal's perceived brutality. I loved that each needed and ultimately saved the other. I also appreciated the author not personifying the bear and giving it a human voice. I felt this added to the authenticity and made the reader think that this story could in fact be based in truths.
The writing style flowed from page to page, casting vivid descriptions, exploring new traditions, and diving deeper into each character. Although the book was for ages 9+, I fully enjoyed immersing myself in the story as an adult and believe there is still plenty of food for thought, regardless of age.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.5
Writing style/readability - 4.6
Characters - 4.6
Diverse themes - 4
Ending - 4.5
Overall - 4.4
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Aspiring writer Thea is sad when she finds out she must spend Christmas with her father and his new family in Norway. Her hopes are brightened though at the thought of building a relationship with her dad and hopefully coming home with the typewriter she's been heavily hinting at in her letters to him. Arriving in the strange and foreign country, Thea feels replaced by Henry's new family and finds it impossible to connect with her father. Feeling abandoned, unwelcome, and out of place, Thea stomps off to the forest and kicks her boot off, right onto a snowdrift covering a cave. Inside the cave is a bear, escaped from a place in Russia where humans abused him and used him as entertainment. Both feeling unloved, Thea and the bear find solace in each other. And they will do anything to protect the other from humans that want to hurt them.
This magical wintry story was the perfect piece of escapism. I loved the characters and their arcs, particularly Thea as she transitioned from stubborn and ungrateful to thankful and accepting of other traditions. Her journey of self-discovery was brilliantly crafted. Her friendship with the bear was captivating; there was such a raw sense of realism that proved animals and humans could develop a connection despite the animal's perceived brutality. I loved that each needed and ultimately saved the other. I also appreciated the author not personifying the bear and giving it a human voice. I felt this added to the authenticity and made the reader think that this story could in fact be based in truths.
The writing style flowed from page to page, casting vivid descriptions, exploring new traditions, and diving deeper into each character. Although the book was for ages 9+, I fully enjoyed immersing myself in the story as an adult and believe there is still plenty of food for thought, regardless of age.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.5
Writing style/readability - 4.6
Characters - 4.6
Diverse themes - 4
Ending - 4.5
Overall - 4.4
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2022
Very good and I loved it a lot, it got a tiny bit confusing a round the middle part but apart from that the rest of the book was very good!
November 16, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for approving me to read 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔾𝕆𝕆𝔻 𝔹𝔼𝔸ℝ by Sarah Lean.
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𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕒 𝕞𝕚𝕩𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖-𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖, 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖
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There are some important themes throughout this book, including family, love and community.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, as depicted by the genetic and inherited family that Thea has (living with her single Mum, and meeting her step family when visiting her Dad) but also her chosen family, which includes her adult friend V who she trusts more than other adults in her life.
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𝕀 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕠 𝕞𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕡𝕖
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I think a lot of younger readers will empathise with Thea and feel bonded with her. When we are children we all have times where we don't feel our parents understand us or listen to us in the way we need them to, and Lean captured this really well within the story.
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𝕀 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕟, 𝕙𝕦𝕘 𝕞𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕚𝕞. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕦𝕡 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕖. ‘𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤!’ 𝕀 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕, 𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕪 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤. ‘𝕀 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕖.’
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I also think that Thea has a great character arc for such a young character. Towards the end of the story she recognises that everyone is different, and just because her Dad may be a different character to her and show his love in different ways, it doesn't mean his characteristics or approach is wrong.
She learns a lot and is a lot more open to her Stepmother and family, and recognises that inclusion of differences is important.
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𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕤 𝕀 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖
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This was such a sweet story which reinforces the importance of family and togetherness. It would be perfect for sharing with children around Christmas time, especially as part of Jólabókaflóđ.
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𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞, 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤
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𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕒 𝕞𝕚𝕩𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖-𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖, 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖
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There are some important themes throughout this book, including family, love and community.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, as depicted by the genetic and inherited family that Thea has (living with her single Mum, and meeting her step family when visiting her Dad) but also her chosen family, which includes her adult friend V who she trusts more than other adults in her life.
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𝕀 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕠 𝕞𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕡𝕖
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I think a lot of younger readers will empathise with Thea and feel bonded with her. When we are children we all have times where we don't feel our parents understand us or listen to us in the way we need them to, and Lean captured this really well within the story.
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𝕀 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕟, 𝕙𝕦𝕘 𝕞𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕚𝕞. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕦𝕡 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕖. ‘𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤!’ 𝕀 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕, 𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕪 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤. ‘𝕀 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕖.’
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I also think that Thea has a great character arc for such a young character. Towards the end of the story she recognises that everyone is different, and just because her Dad may be a different character to her and show his love in different ways, it doesn't mean his characteristics or approach is wrong.
She learns a lot and is a lot more open to her Stepmother and family, and recognises that inclusion of differences is important.
-
𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕤 𝕀 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖
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This was such a sweet story which reinforces the importance of family and togetherness. It would be perfect for sharing with children around Christmas time, especially as part of Jólabókaflóđ.
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𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞, 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤
September 11, 2020
The Good Bear is a superb story to snuggle up with in the winter months, exploring themes of families, relationships and ‘togetherness’ through the tale of a young girl and a life-changing visit to the Norwegian winter.
Thea, the main character, retells her story as a first person narrative and sets the scene for the action to come through the first chapter, where she is beginning to settle down to tell her tale to her daughter as a part of a long standing Christmas tradition.
In her story, set 30 years before, Thea receives an invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with her estranged father, who works as a carpenter and lives with his wife and her children in Norway. As she arrives, there is news that a bear has escaped from a circus and may be hiding in the forests near to where she is staying.
Thea’s complex emotions towards her father are sensitively and honestly written; particularly Thea’s anger towards Henry’s new family and their seemingly perfect life. Thea’s relationship with the bear is central to the story and gives the book a sense of Christmas magic that is warm and gentle; a welcome contrast to the more overtly tinsel filled Christmas books.
This story would be a perfect next read for fans of ‘The Girl Who Speaks Bear’ by Sophie Anderson. We read The Girl Who Speaks Bear as a class novel during lockdown (over Zoom!) and it’s really interesting to see how the two authors have explored the themes of family and belonging in their stories using the motif of the bear and the symbolism of the wintry landscapes.
A beautiful story brimming with winter magic.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list.
Thea, the main character, retells her story as a first person narrative and sets the scene for the action to come through the first chapter, where she is beginning to settle down to tell her tale to her daughter as a part of a long standing Christmas tradition.
In her story, set 30 years before, Thea receives an invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with her estranged father, who works as a carpenter and lives with his wife and her children in Norway. As she arrives, there is news that a bear has escaped from a circus and may be hiding in the forests near to where she is staying.
Thea’s complex emotions towards her father are sensitively and honestly written; particularly Thea’s anger towards Henry’s new family and their seemingly perfect life. Thea’s relationship with the bear is central to the story and gives the book a sense of Christmas magic that is warm and gentle; a welcome contrast to the more overtly tinsel filled Christmas books.
This story would be a perfect next read for fans of ‘The Girl Who Speaks Bear’ by Sophie Anderson. We read The Girl Who Speaks Bear as a class novel during lockdown (over Zoom!) and it’s really interesting to see how the two authors have explored the themes of family and belonging in their stories using the motif of the bear and the symbolism of the wintry landscapes.
A beautiful story brimming with winter magic.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list.
December 11, 2020
This is a beautiful book from start to finish and the wintry hues of the cover are perfect. This is heart-warming, life- affirming tale which takes us on Thea's Christmas holiday journey to Norway where she hopes to try and connect with her father and to get his approval for her dream of being a writer. Things don't go at all as she had imagined and there she meets a bear who needs her and whose life she ends up holding in her hands. Thea learns so much on her adventure not only about herself but also about family and what it really means to be connected.
This enchanting winter tale is a must for younger readers and also for anyone who enjoys snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a cosy read.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley
This enchanting winter tale is a must for younger readers and also for anyone who enjoys snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a cosy read.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley
December 23, 2020
This book is indescribable, in that it is so special and lovely I don’t quite have the words. This is a quality I’ve found in every Sarah Lean book I’ve read to date, in fact, but this is so magical and has something even more special about it that it’s definitely my favourite. It’s about a girl called Thea, who goes to stay with her father and his new family in Norway over Christmas, and the runaway bear she meets there who she develops a close bond with, and is desperate to save from hunters. Her bond with the bear is so beautiful, and I genuinely don’t think I stopped crying once reading this, between the ones of sadness and happiness at different points. I was so attached to the characters, and I loved the narrative style of this being a story Thea is telling her daughter on Christmas Eve in the future. The recent historical setting was also great, and I really liked some of the secondary cast too, such as Thea’s step-family who she has to get to know and also Vee. I also just couldn’t put it down- I read it in a couple of settings because I was so worried about the outcome, and the ending felt perfect for the tone of the book, somehow. This has one of my favourite fictional Christmas scenes ever in it, and is easily one of the best things I’ve read all year, if not ever.
December 5, 2020
Set in the 1970s, Thea is a young girl who visits her father and his new partner and step-children in Norway for the Christmas holidays. She desperately wanted a typewriter for her winter birthday, but her father (or rather, his girlfriend) bought her a pair of boots instead. Sulking around the village and woods, Thea encounters an escaped bear who has fled mistreatment and a life of entertaining tourists. Thea's encounters with the bear help her realise the true meaning of Christmas and family.
This book is stunning and reminded me so much of The Butterfly Lion. I breezed through the book in no time at all because I couldn't bear not knowing if the bear was safe or not! Lean's ability to weave tension in many forms throughout the book is simply masterful. I will be buying this book for my daughter when she is old enough.
Be aware that there are mild references to hunting and animal cruelty in the book, but nothing that should upset most children aged 9+.
Thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Lean and Simon & Schuster Children's UK for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is stunning and reminded me so much of The Butterfly Lion. I breezed through the book in no time at all because I couldn't bear not knowing if the bear was safe or not! Lean's ability to weave tension in many forms throughout the book is simply masterful. I will be buying this book for my daughter when she is old enough.
Be aware that there are mild references to hunting and animal cruelty in the book, but nothing that should upset most children aged 9+.
Thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Lean and Simon & Schuster Children's UK for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2020
The Good Bear by Sarah Lean is a simply charming novel for ages nine years and over. It is perfect to read in the run up to Christmas or indeed for any time of year to swell your heart with love and care.
The novel is magical as you try to work out, could this tale be true? Told on flashbacks to 1978 when the mother telling the tale was twelve years old, the reader becomes completely absorbed in the story.
We all want to be loved and to belong. Animals are no exception. An ill-treated bear and a young girl bond together in search of love. It is beautiful to watch the love develop.
The tale is set in a Norwegian forest just before Christmas. With snow on the ground, it is all very atmospheric as Sarah Lean paints the scene with her words.
I absolutely loved The Good Bear. It is a perfect story for any age and will leave you smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is magical as you try to work out, could this tale be true? Told on flashbacks to 1978 when the mother telling the tale was twelve years old, the reader becomes completely absorbed in the story.
We all want to be loved and to belong. Animals are no exception. An ill-treated bear and a young girl bond together in search of love. It is beautiful to watch the love develop.
The tale is set in a Norwegian forest just before Christmas. With snow on the ground, it is all very atmospheric as Sarah Lean paints the scene with her words.
I absolutely loved The Good Bear. It is a perfect story for any age and will leave you smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 29, 2020
This isn’t your usual Christmas story but it’s a lovely story set in Norway at Christmas. Thea ‘s Father left her and her mother, and now lives in Norway with his new family. Thea goes to spend Christmas with him in the hope that they can repair their relationship. She struggles to accept the hospitality which is shown to her and escapes to the woods where she meets a bear. When the villagers decide to hunt the bear, Thea sets her differences to one side and ropes in Lars to help her. Can they get to the bear in time to save him?
I struggled to get into this story at first but I am so pleased I stayed with it as I found I couldn’t put it down. A story which reminds us that Christmas is about family and togetherness, not the tinsel and trimmings.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled to get into this story at first but I am so pleased I stayed with it as I found I couldn’t put it down. A story which reminds us that Christmas is about family and togetherness, not the tinsel and trimmings.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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