One of The Guardian's Best Children's Books of the Year

Winner of the Wainwright Prize for Children's Picture Books 2026

'Here’s a bear that lives and breathes in your mind long after the story is over. Powerful, majestic, vulnerable, an iconic portrait.' - Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse.

The Great Bear is a hopeful, moving story about the wonder of nature and the power of storytelling.

Since the dawn of time, the Great Bear has patrolled the oceans, protecting the earth and her animals and overseeing the delicate balance of life. But now, one creature is changing everything. And the Great Bear cannot stand by.

Debut author and illustrator Annie Booker's The Great Bear has the feel of a classic. The hand-painted illustrations capture the fragility and power of the natural world, making this book a beautiful gift for fans of illustration and animal lovers of all ages.

Featuring inspiring facts about real-life polar bears and the regeneration of the Arctic, this is the perfect read for budding environmentalists and conservationists.