Big Bear Was Not the Same - by Joanna Rowland (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A soft introduction to PTSD for young readers, from the bestselling author of The Memory Box

Little Bear loves the woods, his home, and going on adventures with his best friend, Big Bear. Big Bear is so big and strong and brave. He always protects Little Bear and helps him feel safe. Then something scary happens to Big Bear. He's caught in a forest fire. Even after he escapes and is safe, Little Bear can tell that Big Bear is not the same. He runs, roars, or freezes in fear when ordinary things happen in the woods that remind him of that traumatic day. How can Little Bear's big, strong, brave friend be so scared now? And how can Little Bear be a good friend?

In Big Bear Was Not the Same, Joanna Rowland, author of the bestelling book The Memory Box, gently introduces young readers to the common feelings of fear, anxiety, and anger that can follow a traumatic event, and shows them how to have empathy and compassion for themselves and for loved ones experiencing the effects of trauma.

Includes backmatter written by a family therapist with information on how to talk about trauma with children.

Review Quotes

"Joanna Rowland has a gift for telling stories that help children heal." --Anna Shinoda, author of Learning Not to Drown and senior advisor to the Campaign to Change Direction, Books Change Direction Initiative

"An accessible, age-appropriate primer that sheds light on trauma and PTSD." --Publishers Weekly

"This tender read-aloud gently affirms that healing takes time, support, and lots of love." --Laura Renauld, author of Porcupine's Pie, Bear's Bicycle, and Fred's Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers

"This book is an important asset to every shelf. Through its sincere and gentle text and art, Big Bear Was Not the Same handles the unpredictable effects of trauma in a tender and thoughtful way that both children and adults will find comforting." --Jessixa Bagley, author of Boats for Papa

"Whether you relate to Big Bear or Little Bear, this is a sweet and gentle story that makes the difficult emotions following a traumatic event easier to understand. This subject that is rarely touched upon in picture books is made accessible with soothing words and cozy illustrations." --Jessie Oliveros, author of The Remember Balloons