One Night in Beartown by Nick Jones, Illustrated by Si Clark

A young girl’s charming obsession for bears of all kinds takes center stage in One Night in Beartown by Nick Jones. Inspired by a real-life town of painted bears, Congleton, this is a beautiful children’s story of friendship and resilience, and being honest about what you love, without fear of being teased or judged. Packed with vivid illustrations, an engaging story, and strong thematic messages that should resonate for young children, this is a unique addition to any bookshelf, and one that can be returned to time and again. There are a few hiccups in the language that feel a bit too informal; children’s books should be entertaining, but also grammatically accurate, as young readers absorb both good and bad habits. Even so, Nick Jones and illustrator Si Clark have delivered a magical treat with this quick and memorable tale.