Stories Like Me
Pocket Bear
Pocket Bear
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Hardcover
Synopsis
Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to be a mere 3 1/2 inches tall, perfectly sized to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.
Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, a Maine Coon known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some. But when an ancient-looking stuffed bear named Berwon arrives at Second Chances, even worldly-wise Pocket is astounded. Berwon, it soon becomes clear, is worth a lot of money. Part of the first lot of stuffed bears ever created—then apparently lost at sea— collectors all over the world would stop at nothing to possess him. Pocket knows Berwon’s sale could solve many problems for his struggling family at Second Chances. But he also knows Berwon, comically naive and long-sheltered, pines desperately for the things Pocket’s already seen in abundance: real life, with all its adventures and trials, and true love, with all its heartbreak and joy.
When Berwon ends up at auction, it’s up to Pocket and Zephyrina to rescue their new friend from a bleak future, forever trapped in a glass display case. Real life and true love may well await. But so do difficult choices, the hardest Pocket has ever faced. An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.
Author
Katherine Applegate is a #1 New York Times bestselling author who has written many children’s books, including The One and Only Ivan, which won a Newbery Medal, The One and Only Bob, Wishtree, Odder, and the Doggo & Pupper series. She is also the author, with Gennifer Choldenko, of Dogtown and Mouse and His Dog, a Dogtown Book. Katherine Applegate lives in Nevada with her loyal husband and naughty dog. You can visit her at katherineapplegate.com.
Praise
A Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection
★ "Newbery Medalist Applegate weaves a gently sophisticated tale that considers the trauma brought about by war on those forced to endure it. Zephyrina’s grudging first-person POV injects humor into tender and eloquent narrative sequences, which Santoso expertly complements with detailed grayscale illustrations depicting moments such as Pocket’s loving creation and a midnight conference of toys. Across brief yet rousing chapters, this treasure of a book evokes laughter, tears, and introspection in equal measure. "--Publishers Weekly, starred & boxed review
★ "Applegate’s writing is exquisitely nuanced; she couches profound themes in accessible language that depicts relatable situations. Gentle, generous Elizaveta and Dasha poignantly underscore the human impact of wars. Santoso’s enchanting, delicate, black-and-white illustrations bring the timeless feeling of a classic to this hopeful, humanizing story of the distressed looking out for each other. Poignant and heartwarming." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "On its surface, this Toy Story–esque tale is a gentle fantasyadventure with a dash of mystery, but Applegate adds layers that give the story meaningful depth. The history of teddy bears is deftly stitched into the narrative, and the echoes of war quietly reverberate through the tale in unexpected ways. Soft graphite chapter illustrations reflect the story’s sweetness in charming detail, while Zephyrina’s narration adds a memorable and comic touch to this salute to friendship and second chances.
....Applegate's books are reliably wonderful..."--Booklist, starred review
"A well-paced, reassuring tale of friendship with just a bit of mild tension. Fans of Applegate will be pleased." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)
Product Details
ISBN: 9781250904362
272 pages
7.8 in H | 5.6 in W | 1 in T | 0.7 lb Wt
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