Mimi is used to being the best mountain climber, the best treasure hunter, and the best trapeze artist in the park—that is, until a new kid turns up. What's worse is that he is better than her at all of these things. But when a need for a friend arises, Mimi learns that she is a really good one. Mimi and Bear Make a Friend brings a sweet, charming story to little ones learning what it means to be a friend.

Wherever Mimi goes, Bear is sure to be there—whether she is ice-skating, having fancy tea with the queen, or making a scary snow monster. But when Bear gets lost, poor Mimi is heartbroken. Luckily, the snow melts and Mimi and Bear are reunited. Janee Trasler's spare text and utterly adorable artwork will resonate with anyone who has ever lost a beloved toy.

A rabbit named Mimi and her toy bear meet a new friend at the playground.

A vivid sense of the wilderness and nature’s power comes through in this intriguing and tension-filled YA novel narrated by a contemporary teen. Perfect for animal lovers, this unusual novel has hints of the quirky charm of Geek Girl and the emotional depth of The Last Leaves Falling. Darcy’s dad, a naturalist, moves their family from England to the snowy wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. Mum, Dad, and older brother Jem are all thriving, but Darcy misses her friends, and civilization, including WiFi. She’s also sick, getting weaker with each day, and having strange dreams—or are they something else? Then she finds an injured mother bear whose cubs were killed by hunters. The bear is enormous, and powerful, but she doesn’t threaten Darcy—she makes Darcy feel alive. The bear needs Darcy just as much as Darcy needs her. Darcy must help her, even though she might not be well enough to take care of the bear, let alone herself. A mystery illness, shifting points of view, and dreamlike sequences make this an unusual and immersive story. Darcy is brave and resourceful, but nothing has prepared her to confront nature’s ultimate question: Can a girl and a wild bear triumph over the basic rule of survival: kill or be killed?

Manny, the little brown bear longs for a friend. But not just any friend. He longs for a Forever Friend. He wishes for a friend he can play with and laugh with, and dance and sing with. He wishes for a friend he can share all his happy thoughts and all his sad thoughts with. Find out what happens when Manny rescues a little white rabbit from a hunter's trap. Then follow them on their adventures as they happily explore their forest neighborhood. "He looked at his new friend with wonder and said, And I dont even know exactly WHY I was laughing! Oh, she said, I was just so happy to be free and so relieved you didnt want to eat me that I just started laughing. Eat you?! Oh, no! Oh, yuck! Oh, gross! No way! said Manny Bear, in a very shocked voice. Yuck? What do you mean.YUCK! the little white rabbit asked in a huffy tone. Dont you think I would taste good? Whats wrong with me? I am not gross or yuck! Then realizing it might sound as if she were inviting him to have a taste she changed her mind. In a tiny voice, she said, Never mind. Im sure I must taste just awful anyway. The little white rabbit sat up and offered her tiny paw to Manny Bear. He took it very gently in his much bigger paw. She said, My name is Missy Rabbit and I am very pleased to meet you. Thank you for saving me. Then they looked at each other and began to laugh all over again. By the time they finished laughing they were the best of friends. They were Forever Friends."

As you enter the world of these amazing characters, you too will come to a place of hope and healing. Davie, Ida May, Floppy Bear, and all the rest will transport your spirit to a new height of acceptance and love. Come with all these individuals as they teach and show you the way to a life of greater meaning and personal fulfillment. Also venture into the depths of life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as it unfolds with all its beauty. Then find a town and a people that embraces your dignity as a person. The awakening brought forth from this work will hopefully help guide and direct your destiny toward self-completion and a more accomplished future.

The Read n Grow series includes picture books for children. These stories, full of action and fun, introduce young readers to a variety of situations to learn and grow with. Written by seasoned authors and attractively illustrated , these books will not only interest children but also help them become skilled readers. 5-7 Age, Vocabulary and sentence length appropriate for beginning readers. 450 to 500 words