Bear in the Family - (Orca Echoes) by Eric Walters (Paperback)

About the Book

In this partially illustrated early chapter book, a family return to their home in the forest after a wildfire to find their house still standing and an orphaned bear cub in the well.

Book Synopsis

★"A profound, realistic story of a multiracial family...This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers. Great for animal lovers and children curious about nature."--School Library Journal, starred review

On returning to their home after a massive wildfire, nine-year-old Jasmin and her seven-year-old brother, Hunter, thought the biggest surprise would be whether their fire-resistant house had survived.

Jasmin and Hunter did not expect to find an orphaned bear cub stuck in the neighbors' well. Rescuing the tiny cub from the well was the easy part; now they need to care for it until the people from the bear-rescue sanctuary can make it safely through the fires to pick it up. The cub turns out to be exactly what one would expect of a wild animal--a huge handful!

The latest Orca Echoes early chapter book from award-winning author Eric Walters was inspired by Eric's visit to a wildlife sanctuary in Northern British Columbia. Bear in the Family tells the fictionalized story of a bear cub found by a family after the forest surrounding their home was destroyed by a wildfire.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"Highly engaging...While the story centers on the bear rescue, the loving and sensible family dynamic offers a firm foundation for the larger story about wildfires and rural community response."-- "Cooperative Children's Book Center"

★"A profound, realistic story of a multiracial family returning to their rural home after a wildfire...This touching story provides much-needed insight into the effects of wildfires on humans and animals alike...This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers. Great for animal lovers and children curious about nature."-- "School Library Journal, starred review"

"Educating readers about wildlife rehabilitation centers is woven throughout this thoughtful, relatable, and interesting tale. Recommended."-- "School Library Connection"

"Clearly and well-told, touching on pertinent topics such as wild-fires and the need for wildlife sanctuaries. Recommended."-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 115 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over a hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.