This quirky picture book introduces two lively, original characters that children will relate to very easily and it has a useful and important message about friends, and getting along with other people too. Lucy has always wanted a dog and, equipped with guide book sets off to find one. She returns with Bear who settles in very happily, even though the basket is a bit small. They get along fine until Bear’s hibernation brings various niggles to the fore – being a dog owner isn’t easy, but then neither is being a pet. Readers young and old alike will find lots to laugh at in the characters and their situation, and be delighted by the happy resolution to the story. ~ Andrea Reece
“Hello, my name is Lucy and I’m looking for a dog. I have a very nice basket at home, and if I had a dog I would love him and care for him and take him for walks every day.”
Lucy is interviewing for a dog. She’s ready, she’s researched, bought all the books, and now she wants a dog. After a frog and a fox fail expectations, Lucy takes on Bear. Bear insists that he’s a dog, and despite his enormous size, little ears, very short tail, Lucy gives him the job and they go home.
At first they get on very well, but eventually the strain starts to show – Lucy hates the bowls of porridge everywhere, and Bear can’t stand the fact that every time he brings a ball back, Lucy throws it away again! Will they ever work it out?
A charming story of friendship and compromise, A Dog Called Bear will be loved by children who have always secretly wanted a dog, or even a bear….Another classic from this husband-and-wife team, told with simplicity and portrayed through appealing characters, illustrated with style and confidence.
Diane and Christyan Fox together have created over 40 children's books in the past 26 years; Christyan has also illustrated another 37, by various authors. They studied graphic design together at Middlesex University, and pursued individual careers before discovering how well they worked together. They live just outside London, and have three children.