Bear Shaped

Jack and his beloved teddy are inseparable. For years, Bear has gone everywhere with him, providing comfort, friendship and the vital confidence to brave trying new things. When a distracted Jack loses Bear during a day out at the park, he is distraught. Valiant efforts by his family to track down the missing teddy fail to lead to its recovery. However they do result in something very special happening – and to Jack finding his own way to deal with the bear-shaped hole in his life.

This beautiful picture book is based on the true story of a family’s public search for a missing toy.  The Jack of the illustrations are utterly convincing, a testimony to the fact that the illustrator worked so closely with the ‘real’ Jack (who happens to be on the autistic spectrum).Delicate, timeless artwork also cleverly incorporates all sorts of satisfying details to explore and discuss. 

It’s an uplifting book, about treasuring our precious memories as we move forward. Particularly touching is the way it is Jack himself who recognises that there are other children who may need a Bear in their lives to share their secrets and adventures – perhaps more than he now does.

A universal story of friendship, loss and growing up, this is a book for everyone who has ever loved a toy. And let’s face it, who hasn’t?