Bear is a huge show off. He loves to "strut his stuff" and nothing is allowed to get in his way. He is thoughtless and unkind and downright rude to the other forest animals. But of course he eventually meets his match when he bumps into a huge moose.
"Hey Bear, you can't just go around doing whatever you want, pushing everyone around.' said Moose. 'The forest is for everyone and you need to take care."
Bear cannot shift Moose so he finally steps around him all the while poking out his tongue. He does not see the slope. He falls down and down and down and lands at the bottom of a smelly swamp.
Now comes the delicious dilemma. Bear needs help but he has been so unkind to all the other animals so of course they are not keen to bother. Luckily Moose is the voice of kindness and reason.
"None of us are perfect, right? We all make mistakes from time to time. What do you say we help him out?"
This story could be so didactic but the illustrations, the glorious huge moose and the choice of words help to keep the story light and fun.
"Bear was embarrassed, a little bit soggy and very very grateful. He smiled shyly, 'Thanks everyone' he said softly."
Think about the way Alex Willmore uses the words - soggy, shyly and softly. They are perfect choices and completely change the tone of the story. It is very clear Bear has learnt his lesson.
I am very happy to tell you this 2020 book (here in Australia) is very inexpensive in paperback at less than $15.
Here are some other books illustrated by Alex Willmore:
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