Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference

The award-winning picture book Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference enhances understanding of autism and encourages acceptance and appreciation of all 'just as they are'. 

This heart-warming and accessible story about a bear with autism gently shares information about the challenges that individuals on the autism spectrum can face with daily living and values their strengths.  A valuable resource for all children, families, educators and therapists, Bear is gender-neutral, with no use of pronouns, so is inclusive for all.

Find fun details in the illustrations like searching for Bear's shoes, finding Dino, and looking for clues for future Bear books.  There is something to notice about images of Dino throughout the book that links to Bear and The Lost Tooth (Hint: What's missing?) Also, find links with Ted, the Sea and Me too, a picture book by Anna Granger of 5 in a Boat Books.

The story illustrations are great for talking about emotions with children.  You can also download resources to use alongside the story.

'One...Two...Three...Red...Golden Yellow...Orange...And one for Dino too!' Find out what this is about in 'Bear and The Lost Tooth,' the second picture book by International Book Awards winning author, Val Jones.

Like many young children, Bear finds losing a tooth very distressing. In this heart-warming story, ThereBear gently guides Bear through a range of emotions in understanding and accepting this loss. There's even a magical ToothBeary to delight children and adults alike! 

Both Bear and ThereBear characters are non-gendered with no pronouns used so that anyone can relate with them.

Not only will ‘Bear and The Lost Tooth’ help children with the loss of their teeth, this enchanting story also helps parents, educators and therapists guide conversations about loss, bereavement and new beginnings.

Join our neurodiverse Bear, and Bear's friend, Bobbin, who is visually impaired, over the Winter Festival period as they support each other with their respective sensory needs, and share in the experiences, joy and special gifts that their friendship brings.

Opportunities abound for children to learn about the sensory needs of both Bear and Bobbin and how inclusive adaptations can be made to suit each of them. Stunning illustrations of the Winter Festival will delight children and adults alike. The magical ToothBeary even makes an appearance - if you can find her?!