It’s a little embarrassing to say that it took me from February 2026 to April 2026 to read A Bear Belongs: A Wildlife Rescue Story by Catherine Barr. Not because it is some 5,000 page book or anything. But because I forgot the name of it. It was not until a few days before writing the review I remembered Bear was in the title. So, I did a search in my emails for reader copies and found probably 20 different titles that had bear attached somehow. I found the one I wanted, finished reading it and wrote a review. I hope if you decide to read it, you’re a bit more organized than I was.
Now, the book is good, but not my favorite. The artwork by Harriet Hobday is a smidgen too abstract for me, but that could be a plus and since overall it’s a good story I recommend it. It is about three sun bears and a few years in their lives. We follow how they are young cubs, interact with each other, learn from their human handles and finally are released into the wild. Nothing is WOW or LOTS OF ACTION here, but it moves along. The text is on the longer side, so the younger readers might not sit for long periods of time, but if you have an animal lover, it works well.
It is good for at least ages five and up, but the older the better. However, as it was read via an online reader, I am not sure of the final form which may not be conducive for older readers’ interest in reading a “picture book.” Still, have it in your classroom for a bit of quiet reading time or for the adult in your life who likes bears, sun bears, or nature as a whole. Due mid-August 2026.
