Big Bear Was Not the Same

One scary day can change everything . . . Little Bear loves the woods, his home, and going on adventures with his best friend, Big Bear. Big Bear is so big, strong, and brave, always protecting Little Bear and helping him feel safe. However, when Big Bear is caught in a forest fire, he changes. Even after escaping, he is haunted by fear when ordinary things in the woods remind him of the traumatic event. As Little Bear observes the changes in his friend, he wonders how his once fearless friend can now be so scared, and how he can help as a good friend. In 'Big Bear Was Not the Same,' Joanna Rowland, author of the bestselling book 'The Memory Box,' delicately introduces young readers to the common feelings of fear, anxiety, and anger that can follow a traumatic event, and teaches them how to have empathy and compassion for themselves and others experiencing trauma. The book includes additional information from a family therapist on how to discuss trauma with children.