Big Bear Was Not the Same by Joanna Rowland, and illustrated by John Ledda, is a compassionate, child-friendly story about trauma, empathy, and friendship. Little Bear loves the woods, his home, and going on adventures with his best friend, Big Bear. Big Bear is so big and strong and brave. He always protects Little Bear and helps him feel safe. Then something scary happens to Big Bear. He's caught in a forest fire. Even after he escapes and is safe, Little Bear can tell that Big Bear is not the same. He runs, roars, or freezes in fear when ordinary things happen in the woods that remind him of that traumatic day. How can Little Bear's big, strong, brave friend be so scared now? And how can Little Bear be a good friend? Includes backmatter written by a family therapist with information on how to talk about trauma with children.
