The Boy, the Father, and the Bear

By: Gustavsson, Per

From award-winning Swedish author Per Gustavsson comes a touching story about life, death, and new beginnings.

"Slow, solemn, and philosophically rich--to be pored over and discussed over repeat -readings."--School Library Journal, STARRED review

"Dreamlike and engaging."--Kirkus Reviews

A boy and his father live alone on an island. They play football, fish, and have a very happy life together. His father gives him advice, to avoid bears and sharks, but as the father's life comes to an end he remarkably turns into a tree...

"Everything will be all right," the branches creaked back.
It was as if his father were talking to him.

The boy must set out on his new life of his own. Along the way, he encounters new friends who help him discover that even after loss, life can still be filled with companionship and wonder.

For readers ages 6-8, The Boy, the Father, and the Bear, is a gentle meditation about the nature of life and finding your place in the world no matter what.

An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1778402208
• ISBN13: 9781778402203
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Greystone Kids
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.0" x 9.9"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7