As Strong as the River

A brown bear tells her cub about the majesty of a river in this gentle picture book debut. Relayed in a first-person perspective, the narrative follows a diminutive russet-colored cub who believes it is already big and strong--and that it will one day be the biggest and the strongest. According to the young ursine, "there's nothing bigger or stronger than bears." Mama disagrees with this assessment, underlining the river's dominance as she leads the cub through the day: instructing it in how to pick berries, crossing the river with the cub on her back, conveying the importance of patience over strength when fishing, and helping the cub "find our special backscratching tree." Layered art in rich tones highlights natural landscapes, while fine etched lines add engrossing detail. A nature-respecting read with an emphasis on an edifying parent-child relationship. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Shortlisted for the 2023 Magnolia Book Awards

"When our children explore and question the world around them, it's important that they honor the simultaneous beauty and danger of nature. This is a perfect book to open those discussions, and couldn't be a better read before a nature hike! (Though also enjoyable at bedtime."
—Little Cub Literacy

"A beautiful story from a Cubs perspective about life lessons you learn from your mother, and how some things you have to learn alone."
—Bookworm Home

"The textures and pencil strokes make my heart flutter! Beautifully done! I love stories where mama and littles are best friends."
—Christy Mandin

"A masterful piece of storytelling and one that will lodge itself in your heart."
—Book Bairn

"A lovely, comforting story combining family love and relationships with an introduction to the wonder of nature...the links between the nurturing of nature and the nurturing of family are subtly and gently portrayed and this would be a lovely story to share at bedtime."
—Library Lady

"This book beautifully showcases the mutual love between a mother and child, and I'll certainly cherish reading this book to my daughter over and over again through the years!"
—The Blossoming Bibliophile