Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories
Book 1 in the internationally successful series for children aged 5-7 from Jarvis
Bear didn’t really like the painting. I mean, look at it. But he liked Bird a lot, and it would remind him of her…
Bear and Bird are best friends! And while they don’t always understand each other, they both agree: all they want is to make the other happy. So, when Bear forgets to pack for a picnic (but pretends that he didn’t), Bird doesn’t let on that she knew all along. And when Bird discovers that Bear has more of a certain talent than she does, well, Bear finds a touching way to make her feel better...
Full of funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings, as well as genuine warmth and affection, these four stories are the start of an irresistibly charming new chapter book series from award-winning creator Jarvis.
Creators
Jarvis studied Graphic Design and previously worked as a record sleeve designer, website designer and an animation director before becoming a children’s bookmaker. His titles with Walker Books include Bear and Bird, an illustrated fiction series that follows the funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings between a pair of best friends. The first of six titles, Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories, was the Indie Book of the Month on release and has been published into 15 different territories. His picture books include Follow Me, Flo!, Tropical Terry, Mrs Mole, I’m Home!, Thank You, The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, which won the 2023 Oscar’s Book Prize and the Indies Book Prize, and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, which won the V&A Best Illustrated Book. He is also the illustrator of the much-loved Pick a Pine Tree, Pick a Pumpkin and Pick a Perfect Egg series written by Patricia Toht. His titles have over sold 1.6 million copies worldwide and have been published into over 25 languages. Jarvis lives in Manchester with his wife and their dog Milo. Follow him on Instagram as @booksbyjarvis.
Reviews
These wittily illustrated stories of mishaps, hurt feelings, fondness and friendship have a transporting quality, ideal for 5+.
Guardian
A beautiful message and a charming set of simple stories.
Armadillo Magazine
A sweet, funny book for early readers, Bear and Bird has all the charm and wisdom of Julian Gough and Jim Field’s Rabbit and Bear series. Bear and Bird are best friends but sometimes they get things wrong. In four short stories, Jarvis explores the ups and downs of friendship with warmth and humour. The illustrations are glorious — the pops of orange and yellow, Bear’s mottled fur, the starry navy blue of the night sky.
The best new children’s books to read this Easter, Irish Independent
Bear and Bird epitomise enjoying the simple things in life with the ones you love. This clever showcase features four unique mini stories inspired by friendship. Each story is perfectly complimented by Jarvis’ illustrations which are heart-warming and effortlessly charming.
WRD
Bear and Bird has an appealingly cosy feel, reminiscent of the Winnie the Pooh stories.
BookTrust
