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Bear and Bird #2
Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories
Jarvis’s witty humor is on display as Bear and Bird, unlikely best friends, return in a second collection of tender, charmingly illustrated stories.
“OK,” said Bird. “I’ll be on this rock. I promise I won’t wander off. I’ll stay on the rock.”
And she did. Even when it grew legs . . . and a little head.
Bear and Bird are the best of friends, but yesterday they had a falling out. And although they can’t quite remember why, each is sure that a new best friend is now in order. If Bear sends an anonymous letter floating down the river, will it be found by someone nice—someone with whom he has as much in common as he did with Bird? In this quartet of tales, the endearing duo is back to show that even friends who sometimes get their wires crossed can always be each other’s best supporter—whether making plans to meet that go comically awry, baking hideously inedible surprise cakes, or savoring a starlit moment together (and getting carried away with wishes for just one more thing to make it perfect). With his signature subtle wit, irresistible art, and an underlying affection, Jarvis draws newly independent readers into a sweet friendship for the ages.
“OK,” said Bird. “I’ll be on this rock. I promise I won’t wander off. I’ll stay on the rock.”
And she did. Even when it grew legs . . . and a little head.
Bear and Bird are the best of friends, but yesterday they had a falling out. And although they can’t quite remember why, each is sure that a new best friend is now in order. If Bear sends an anonymous letter floating down the river, will it be found by someone nice—someone with whom he has as much in common as he did with Bird? In this quartet of tales, the endearing duo is back to show that even friends who sometimes get their wires crossed can always be each other’s best supporter—whether making plans to meet that go comically awry, baking hideously inedible surprise cakes, or savoring a starlit moment together (and getting carried away with wishes for just one more thing to make it perfect). With his signature subtle wit, irresistible art, and an underlying affection, Jarvis draws newly independent readers into a sweet friendship for the ages.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
4 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Jarvis
175 books72 followersJarvis is an illustrator and animator who has worked as both a record jacket designer and an animation director. He lives in Manchester, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 22, 2026
Zo dol op Vogel en Beer, zacht, fijn, wijs. Voorleestipje. 💛
November 14, 2023
Adorable pairing and tales of friendship.
We've read and enjoyed a few of Jarvis's picture books before, and loved a previous Bear and Bird collection. Which my six year old enjoying reading aloud, one short chapter at a time.
Jarvis's style is recognisable in his pictures, and it's a pleasure to see that like other illustrators (Nick Sharratt, Axel Scheffler), he also has a gift for hitting the 'child voice' on the nose (or snout) and creating short stories that are relatable and charming.
As in their last puting, in four short reads, Jarvis brings four mini-adventures to readers, with Bear and Bird, two best friends who sometimes make mistakes, or need encouragement, or understanding. But they always come through for each other. The reader sees the two former friends who've fallen out over a spoon start looking for new best friends, only to find each other accidentally. The same reader will see Bear try to replace the cake he's eaten with one he makes - with ingredients all possible bakers would like... eurgh dung! Even sitting still on a rock makes for a good adventure. And at the end is a lovely flight of fancy with the pair happy as they are, but also imagining in superbly over-the-top ways what might make things EVEN better - but do they even need them in the end?
Short for out-loud reading, and long enough for confidence and challenging a beginner reader on their own.
Two lovely characters and an endearing friendship between them.
For ages 4-8.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
We've read and enjoyed a few of Jarvis's picture books before, and loved a previous Bear and Bird collection. Which my six year old enjoying reading aloud, one short chapter at a time.
Jarvis's style is recognisable in his pictures, and it's a pleasure to see that like other illustrators (Nick Sharratt, Axel Scheffler), he also has a gift for hitting the 'child voice' on the nose (or snout) and creating short stories that are relatable and charming.
As in their last puting, in four short reads, Jarvis brings four mini-adventures to readers, with Bear and Bird, two best friends who sometimes make mistakes, or need encouragement, or understanding. But they always come through for each other. The reader sees the two former friends who've fallen out over a spoon start looking for new best friends, only to find each other accidentally. The same reader will see Bear try to replace the cake he's eaten with one he makes - with ingredients all possible bakers would like... eurgh dung! Even sitting still on a rock makes for a good adventure. And at the end is a lovely flight of fancy with the pair happy as they are, but also imagining in superbly over-the-top ways what might make things EVEN better - but do they even need them in the end?
Short for out-loud reading, and long enough for confidence and challenging a beginner reader on their own.
Two lovely characters and an endearing friendship between them.
For ages 4-8.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
August 11, 2025
Every Bear and Bird collection has been a real hit with my little’uns. Each short story is unfailingly witty, gentle, and incredibly sweet. We’ve amassed every Bear and Bird collection thus far, and we can usually count on at least one tale being requested when we’re together and winding down for the day.
January 16, 2024
This is a super cute easy reader about friendship. I definitely think this would make a book club pick for the young patrons at my work. I love the art style!
March 17, 2025
The illustrations in this are so so beautiful
May 14, 2024
First sentence: Bird woke up and made herself some tea. She was thinking about the argument from the day before. She couldn't quite remember what it was about. Something to do with a spoon. Bust she knew she had fallen out with Bear and needed a new best friend.
Premise/plot: Bear and Bird are friends--best friends. This is an early chapter book for young readers. It features four stories: "The Spoon," "The Cake," "The Rock," and "The Stars." In the first story, Bear and Bird start out in the middle of a fight. Bear is looking for a new best friend. Bird is looking for a new best friend. There's an exchange of [anonymous] letters where each is seeking a new best friend... In the second story, Bird makes Bear a cake....and Bear makes something far from a cake. In "The Rock" Bear and Bird go on the search for a new cake for their tea party. Things take a twist when the "rocks" start moving. In "The Stars," Bear and Bird are reflective about the good things in life. This conversation happens when they are stargazing.
My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love, love, LOVE this early chapter book. Bear and Bird are delightful characters. The stories are enchanting in a delightful, lovely way. I just learned that this is the second book in the series. I will definitely be checking to see if the first book is at the library.
Premise/plot: Bear and Bird are friends--best friends. This is an early chapter book for young readers. It features four stories: "The Spoon," "The Cake," "The Rock," and "The Stars." In the first story, Bear and Bird start out in the middle of a fight. Bear is looking for a new best friend. Bird is looking for a new best friend. There's an exchange of [anonymous] letters where each is seeking a new best friend... In the second story, Bird makes Bear a cake....and Bear makes something far from a cake. In "The Rock" Bear and Bird go on the search for a new cake for their tea party. Things take a twist when the "rocks" start moving. In "The Stars," Bear and Bird are reflective about the good things in life. This conversation happens when they are stargazing.
My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love, love, LOVE this early chapter book. Bear and Bird are delightful characters. The stories are enchanting in a delightful, lovely way. I just learned that this is the second book in the series. I will definitely be checking to see if the first book is at the library.
August 1, 2024
This delightful book is divided into four short chapters - each with a simple theme.
Chapter 1 - The Spoon - Bear and Bird argue about a spoon. They can't even remember why but it must have been important because they no longer want to be friends. So - they each go on a search for a new best friend. Via paper boat. But, of course, end up with each other!
Chapter 2 - The Cake - Bear finds a cake hidden in the woods and eats it all. Oh no! The owner of the cake might be angry so Bear decides to bake a cake to replace it! But Bear has never baked a cake before. (The picture of him holding the "How to Bake a Cake" cookbook upside down is adorable.) This one was quite funny!
Chapter 3 - The Rock - Bird is supposed to wait for Bear on a rock. But then the rock starts to move! Turns out, it is a very clever rock!
And Chapter 4 - The Stars - Bird and Bear stare at the stars and opine that nothing could be better than just being together, looking at the stars. Except maybe with hot chocolate and cake and robots and... A story about being content with stars but also dreaming big dreams.
I like Jarvis so I'm not surprised that I really enjoyed this book! I think it would make a fun class read aloud!
Chapter 1 - The Spoon - Bear and Bird argue about a spoon. They can't even remember why but it must have been important because they no longer want to be friends. So - they each go on a search for a new best friend. Via paper boat. But, of course, end up with each other!
Chapter 2 - The Cake - Bear finds a cake hidden in the woods and eats it all. Oh no! The owner of the cake might be angry so Bear decides to bake a cake to replace it! But Bear has never baked a cake before. (The picture of him holding the "How to Bake a Cake" cookbook upside down is adorable.) This one was quite funny!
Chapter 3 - The Rock - Bird is supposed to wait for Bear on a rock. But then the rock starts to move! Turns out, it is a very clever rock!
And Chapter 4 - The Stars - Bird and Bear stare at the stars and opine that nothing could be better than just being together, looking at the stars. Except maybe with hot chocolate and cake and robots and... A story about being content with stars but also dreaming big dreams.
I like Jarvis so I'm not surprised that I really enjoyed this book! I think it would make a fun class read aloud!
December 28, 2025
Bear and Bird are best friends, but in this first story, they have a bit of a falling out and decide to find new best friends. Both start corresponding with a mystery new friend, but soon find out there is nothing better than your real best friend!
The second story involves a delicious cake and Bear’s disastrous attempt to recreate it so no one knows he ate the first one!
The third story has Bird staying on a rock to wait for Bear. She is staying on this rock no matter what! Even when it sprouts legs and a head and begins moving!
The final story involves Bear and Bird looking at the stars and dreaming about what could make a perfect night even better!
Overall, this was a really cute book and I enjoyed that each story was separate but you could see some elements cross over into the next story from the previous one, giving it a sense of continuity. Plus the artwork is adorable! I would definitely recommend this book as a great read for the whole family!
The second story involves a delicious cake and Bear’s disastrous attempt to recreate it so no one knows he ate the first one!
The third story has Bird staying on a rock to wait for Bear. She is staying on this rock no matter what! Even when it sprouts legs and a head and begins moving!
The final story involves Bear and Bird looking at the stars and dreaming about what could make a perfect night even better!
Overall, this was a really cute book and I enjoyed that each story was separate but you could see some elements cross over into the next story from the previous one, giving it a sense of continuity. Plus the artwork is adorable! I would definitely recommend this book as a great read for the whole family!
October 29, 2023
Bear and Bird have had a fight over a spoon which ended (temporarily) their bestfriendship. So they send notes on the River to find a new best friend. After 13 notes back and forth to each other (unbeknownst to either), they plan to meet at a cafe. After realizing that it was silly to argue about a spoon, their bestfriendship continues. To celebrate Bird bakes a cake for Bear who eats it immediately. The rest of the story is the sweet friendship flourishing. Good read aloud for kindergarten or first grade teachers (too long for library time).
October 31, 2024
The first page of this book had me completely hooked, with bird sitting on her branch, drinking her tea from a polka-dotted teapot, a look of consternation on her face.
“She was thinking about the argument from the day before. She couldn’t quite remember what it was about. Something to do with a spoon. But she knew she had fallen out with Bear and needed a new friend.”
Of course, she and Bear will end up back together at the end of this short vignette, and will go on to have three more adventures together, each just as humorous and heartwarming as the one before. I loved them all!
“She was thinking about the argument from the day before. She couldn’t quite remember what it was about. Something to do with a spoon. But she knew she had fallen out with Bear and needed a new friend.”
Of course, she and Bear will end up back together at the end of this short vignette, and will go on to have three more adventures together, each just as humorous and heartwarming as the one before. I loved them all!
January 17, 2024
Frog and Toad. Elephant and Piggy. Bear and Bird. In the proud tradition of cross species friends, Jarvis's bear and bird offer gentle humor in short stories great for beginning readers. This was a great choice for my first grader.
February 15, 2025
These are the sweetest collection of short stories about Bear and Bird. Even in my late 20’s, I had a little giggle and it brought a smile to my face when I needed a little pick me up. The illustrations are adorable too! I can’t wait to read another!
April 9, 2023
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This is a “must” for early reader collections.
This is a “must” for early reader collections.
April 13, 2023
Hilarious and utterly delightful.
September 20, 2023
A complete delight! Early reader chapter book series that is warm and funny. The illustrations by Jarvis are perfection!
October 27, 2023
This is so cute! I love bear and bird. Wonderful little stories and the supporting characters are adorable as well.
November 7, 2023
A nice follow up to the first Bear and Bird book. Solid.
November 12, 2023
Utterly delightful collection of four stories that made me giggle and smile. A tad predictable if you’re familiar with the format, but still entertaining.
November 18, 2023
Gorgeous!! Perfect read aloud stories for pre-schoolers or independent reading for beginning readers.
December 3, 2023
These friends go on everyday adventures. The pair are cute and hilarious. These two remind me of frog and toad. The whole family enjoyed this book.
December 5, 2023
I especially loved 'The Stars' .
January 22, 2024
A charming full color early chapter book/picture book. The first story was basically Jimmy Buffet's "The Pina Colada Song" for kids, so that was enjoyable.
February 19, 2024
(lu en VF) ourson est tellement mon animal totem mdrrr
February 23, 2024
My 6 year old daughter loved these stories! I love the art.
March 2, 2024
I love all of Jarvis' stories and this second book in the Bear and Bird series does not disappoint! It's sweet, lovely and humorous all bundled together.
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October 19, 2024Over een besterste vriend en de smerigste taart ooit. 'Ah, zo is het goed, alleen jij en ik en de sterren'.
Ook de tweede Vogel en Beer is leuk en goed.
Ook de tweede Vogel en Beer is leuk en goed.
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December 17, 2024NL versie gelezen
June 21, 2025
Besties:)
July 24, 2025
5 stars. Adorable animal friendship stories -love this easy to read story collection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews