The Bear That Heard Crying (Picture Puffins)

This is a beautifully illustrated children's book based on a true story. I completely believe this story took place exactly as told. But then, I believe in a God that answer prayers. The illustrations so poignantly convey the emotions of the characters it brings tears to my eyes each time I read it. I particularly love it because I had a toddler girl that would always wander away and could easily have gotten lost like this little one. How comforting to know Father God is watching over all us 'wanderers'.

This book is based on information found by Natalie Kinsey Warnock and her sister, while researching their family history from the 1700's. This information related that searchers believed a bear took care of a young child lost in the woods for three days until she was found. I purchased the book to read to young children. The happy ending delighted them. The story inspired a positive discussion about safety while camping, listening to their parents, staying together with their siblings or friends while playing and being careful around unfamiliar animals.

This true story is delightfully illustrated. My grandsons asked me to read it again and again. I enjoyed the back story included.

Very good book and my granddaughters are going to love it!!

I love the story and the writing. The paperback is not very durable. The hardback is beautiful and probably best for read together story time.

This is an amazing story based on actual accounts recorded in New Hampshire in 1783. Natalie Kinsey Warnock is a gifted writer who has woven a spell-binding story about three-year old Sarah Witcher who was lost in the woods and was protected by a "big black dog" - a bear who slept with her and kept her warm for four days. As a children's librarian, I've read this story aloud to an enthralled audience of youngsters who usually break into spontaneous applause at the ending. Ted Rand's illustrations are beautiful. This is a book that children will ask for again and again.

This is a very nice little book. It is a story from a historical period, so it can be used in history lessons. But it is also an engaging story that children will enjoy at any time. It is nice to have a story that is supposed to be a true account. Non-Christian families may be a little uncomfortable with some brief over-emphasis on Christianity, but this is easily dealt with and likely historically accurate for the period, in any event.

First, although written as a book for young children...the story of the bear and the little girl is true! Often, where there's no threat, there's no harm. Now, pull the news story about another small child in North Carolina...January 25, 2019. Missing for three long winter nights....found perfectly fine AND, he said he "hung out with a bear"! Got to love it.