The Polar Bear in the Garden

A gentle story of learning to say goodbye to a loved one

One day, a child finds a polar bear in their garden. But this is no ordinary polar bear; it can fit in the palm of the child’s hand! As the days of the week go by from Monday to Sunday, the polar bear grows bigger and bigger. Soon, the child knows they must see the polar bear home safely. So off they sail, together, journeying across the sea in search of the polar bear’s home. And just as the bear outgrows the boat—land ho!

With exquisite skill and compassion, Richard Jones has crafted a profoundly moving story with tender illustrations and themes that will resonate with anyone who has loved and had to let go."This gentle separation story subtly weaves in concepts of size comparison and days of the week and should resonate even with young toddlers, who likely will not want to say goodbye to this cuddly-looking bear, either."—The Horn Book

"Joyous art, celebrating freedom and the beauty of the sea, matches the text in tone and quality. Be ready for children to scour their own gardens in the hopes of finding a tiny bear of their very own. As satisfying as a warm blanket or a cup of cocoa."—Kirkus ReviewsRichard Jones has more than twenty years of experience in the creative arts with a PhD in graphic communication. In his spare time, Richard enjoys bobbing about in the sea, feeding the cat, and licorice. Follow him on Instagram @apaintedmouse and visit him on the web at www.paintedmouse.com.