Be Yourself

By Carrie Riel

"Be Yourself" is a story that stems from the love of my late father, Bernie. He was, and still is, my "loveable-strong-brave bear," and his spirit is the guiding light for this book.

Bernie the Bear along with our sweet angel dog, Roo, live in the magical forest and stretches out behind the home Mr. Joe and I share. You can often find me sitting outside, just listening to the whispers among the trees and letting my imagination wander. I love t o daydream about Bernie and Roo playing with all sorts of new forest friends right outside our lanai door.

Moving to our new home in Florida brought back a younger reflection of myself -"Little Carrie" appeared. Change can feel a bit scary, but as my wise Bernie the Bear would say, "Change can also be incredibly exciting I found myself thinking, "Oh, if only I could be...if only I could do...if only I had..."

During some outside quiet time I heard an important message from the forest: "You are wonderful just as you are. BE YOURSELF Embrace and love all the beautiful little things that make you, YOU."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1965950698
• ISBN13: 9781965950692
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Peppertree Press
• Length: 42 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 12 years and under
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7