"Gentle, relatable, funny and quietly reassuring."
Bear Worries marks the welcome return of Bear, and is a companion book to Natalia Shaloshvili’s earlier picture book featuring this endearing character. This time, Bear has a very clear goal: he’s eaten the last cookie and needs to visit his favourite cookie shop. However, what should be a simple outing quickly becomes overwhelming as Bear’s imagination fills with worries about everything that might go wrong along the way.
From catching the bus to getting lost, or even arriving to find the cookies sold out, Bear’s anxious “what if?” thoughts spiral as each stage of the journey approaches. And actually, most of Bear’s worries actually do come true. Yet rather than reinforcing anxiety, the narrative gently demonstrates resilience and reassurance. With the support of his calm and practical friend Duck, Bear discovers that even when things do not go to plan, situations can still work out happily in the end.
Shaloshvili’s rhythmic, reassuring text makes this an excellent book to read aloud, with repeated phrases and questioning moments that invite children to join in and anticipate what might happen next. The recurring “what if?” structure provides a natural starting point for conversations about worries, uncertainty and managing anxious thoughts.
The illustrations are warm, textured and softly coloured, perfectly matching the emotional tone of the story. Expressive characterisation brings humour and empathy to Bear’s predicament, while thoughtful page design and varied typography subtly guide the reader through moments of tension and relief. Small visual details reward repeated readings, making this a richly layered picture book that is a comforting and enjoyable story.
Gentle, relatable, funny and quietly reassuring, Bear Worries offers young readers the comforting message that worries are normal and that kindness, friendship and perseverance can help us navigate them.
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This companion title to Natalia Shaloshvili's award-winning book Bear is a funny and comforting take on how to cope with constant worrying.
With a little help from his friend Duck, Bear finds that even when his biggest (cookie-related!) worries do come true, it's not the end of the world.
At first, Bear is happily munching his cookie, until a thought creeps in: what if it's the last cookie? When this turns out to be true, he sets off for the shops - and his worries mount and mount. He worries about missing the bus . . . and it leaves without him. He worries he'll get lost . . . and gets lost. By the time he finds the cookie queue, he's at the very back; and his worst worry comes true.
The very last cookie goes . . . to Duck!
But just when Bear thinks his worst fears have been realised, Duck gently shows him that worries don't have to end in disaster. By sharing his cookie and reminding Bear that 'what ifs' can lead to happy endings too, Duck helps his friend see that things often turn out better than expected.
Complete with Natalia Shaloshvili's expressive, playful illustrations and a story that balances humour with warmth, Bear Worries captures the familiar experience of children (and adults) whose imaginations run away with them. Both entertaining and reassuring, this picture book is the perfect springboard for conversations about anxiety, resilience and friendship.
Whether shared at storytime, used in classrooms or given as a thoughtful gift, Bear Worries is an essential addition to every child's bookshelf. It offers the reminder that no worry is too big when faced together.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Bear Worries and determined it is suitable for children aged 3-6 years old
Bear Worries features in the following genres: Featured Books for 3+ readers, Featured Books for 5+ readers, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Animal Stories, PSHE: Self-Awareness, Self-Esteem and Wellbeing, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s / Teenage general interest: Bears, Children’s / Teenage emotions: Worry, fear, Picture books: character books, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Large land mammals, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Mammals, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Emotions, moods, feelings and behaviours, Children’s picture books, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, The Natural World
Bear Worries is available in Hardback, Paperback
Bear Worries was written by Natalia Shaloshvili and published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Bear Worries has 40 pages
Yes it is part of Bear's World series
£7.19
