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 family: 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 Junior Readers love The Good Bear: '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. I didn't want it to end' Amazon reviewer