This companion title to Natalia Shaloshvili’s award-winning book Bear is a funny and comforting take on how to cope with constant worrying. With a little help from his friend Duck, Bear finds that even when his biggest (cookie-related!) worries do come true, it’s not the end of the world.  At first, Bear is happily munching his cookie, until a thought creeps in: what if it’s the last cookie? When this turns out to be true, he sets off for the shops – and his worries mount and mount.

He worries about missing the bus . . .

and it leaves without him. He worries he’ll get lost . .

. and gets lost. By the time he finds the cookie queue, he’s at the very back; and his worst worry comes true.

The very last cookie goes . . .

to Duck! But just when Bear thinks his worst fears have been realised, Duck gently shows him that worries don’t have to end in disaster. By sharing his cookie and reminding Bear that ‘what ifs’ can lead to happy endings too, Duck helps his friend see that things often turn out better than expected. Complete with Natalia Shaloshvili’s expressive, playful illustrations and a story that balances humour with warmth, Bear Worries captures the familiar experience of children (and adults) whose imaginations run away with them. Both entertaining and reassuring, this picture book is the perfect springboard for conversations about anxiety, resilience and friendship. Whether shared at storytime, used in classrooms or given as a thoughtful gift, Bear Worries is an essential addition to every child’s bookshelf.

It offers the reminder that no worry is too big when faced together.