A stirring, thoughtful story about the pressure to perform and the support of a true friend.

Suddenly someone yaaaaawns—right over the music.

“Shh,” the animals hiss and growl. But who’s yawning? It’s Bear!

Ho hum, thinks Bear. One more song, and I’m out of music.

He plays his last notes, and he closes the lid.

“There,” he whispers to his paws, “It’s time for a break.”

But no one hears what he says, because all the animals have started shouting.

“More, more Piano Bear!” they yell.

“More, more, more!”

“Next time,” Bear promises”

Bear wants to laze about on a branch.

And listen to the wind playing with leaves.

But all around him, he hears: “More, more, Piano Bear!”

Bear Is Never Alone

Written by Marc Veerkamp
Illustrated by Jeska Verstegen
Translated by Laura Watkinson

Ages 4-8

HARDCOVER; Releases: 4/3/2023

Order this book from:

ChristianBook.com | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble | Amazon

A stirring, thoughtful story about the pressure to perform and the support of a true friend.

When Bear sits down at the piano, he makes beautiful music, and the other animals can’t get enough. “More, more, Pianobear!” they shout. But sometimes Bear just wants to relax. Even when he tries to escape to a quiet tree branch, the voices follow him: “More! More! More!” Finally Bear snaps. No one seems to understand why he’s so upset—except Zebra. Zebra loves Bear’s music, but she doesn’t ask him to start playing again. Instead, she brings over a book…

This moving story is the perfect companion for social-emotional lessons about choosing solitude, respecting boundaries, and building interpersonal awareness. Illustrated in striking shades of black, white, and red, Bear Is Never Alone encourages young readers to notice others’ needs and care for them with kindness.


Click here to download our spring 2023 catalog