Big Bear Was Not the Same

Rowland uses a pair of bear best friends, Big Bear, who is a grizzly, and Little Bear, who is a black bear, to illustrate trauma and trauma responses, describing what happens after Big Bear survives a forest fire. Not quite understanding why his big, brave friend is acting so differently, Little Bear does his best to be supportive and help Big Bear cope. Rowland employs easily comprehensible language to explain how PTSD can be triggered: “Some days, Little Bear/ and Big Bear had good days/ that almost felt normal again./ But one smell could change it all.” In his picture book debut, Ledda presents digital illustrations of expressive characters, seamlessly reflecting the text’s shifting emotions through varying color schemes, perspectives, and typography. An accessible, age-appropriate primer that sheds light on trauma and PTSD. Back matter includes more information. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)