1 / 5The Boy, the Bear and the Star
The Boy, the Bear and the Star is a 32-page English children's story about a lost boy who finds comfort in a gentle bear until morning. Its themes of courage, friendship and uncertainty about whether the bear was real suit shared reading with young children.
At a glance
- A young boy becomes lost in the woods during a family outing and meets a gentle bear as night falls.
- The story follows their companionship until daybreak, when the boy is found.
- The publisher says the story was inspired by an account of a three-year-old who went missing in the woods.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The short 32-page length and stated 3 - 5 years reading age make it a manageable choice for a young child's shared reading.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Andersen Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 24 Sept. 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 32 pages |
| Reading age | 3 - 5 years |
| ISBN-10 | 1839135786 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1839135781 |
| Dimensions | 25.4 x 0.81 x 26.01 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 390 g |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing presents the bear's presence as unresolved, asking whether he was really there. The account that inspired the story is described as an amazing true story by the publisher, rather than independently substantiated here.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Adults seeking a short read-aloud story for children aged 3 to 5.
- Families interested in picture-book themes of courage, companionship and friendship.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a factual account rather than an imaginative story inspired by a reported event.
Frequently asked questions
What age is The Boy, the Bear and the Star listed for?
The listing gives a reading age of 3 - 5 years.
What is the story about?
A boy becomes lost in the woods, meets a gentle bear, and stays with him until morning, when the boy is found. The story leaves open whether the bear was really there.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 32 pages.
Alternative options
The Brave Little Hawk
£7.99
Shadow & Storms
£21.99
Mother To Elephants: The Story of Daphne Sheldrick -A picture book celebrating the life of a pioneer in elephant care. It’s a wonderful story for Kids 6-9 (perfect for your nature loving child).
£9.99
Naughty: A hilarious picture book for children | Ages 3-5
£7.59
Confessions of a Boy Scout: Campfires & Crushes: Samuel Twigford’s Coming of Age in 1990s Rural England
£12.99
The Seeds We Sow: A Children's Book About Kindness, Empathy, and Growth
£12.99
The Courage Hat: A Children's Book About Bravery, Confidence, and Believing in Yourself
£22.80
Mouse Goes to the Mountains: A Hike Through Nature (Mouse’s Adventures)
£12.99
Peas on Your Knees: A Life in the Poems of Michael Rosen: A beautiful Christmas gift for all ages - the ultimate illustrated collection from the nation’s favourite family poet and YouTube sensation
£13.01
The Thieves Beneath the Floorboards: The funny new rhyming picture book from the world of The Café at the Edge of the Woods, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2025
£12.99
Mouse's Wood: A Year in Nature (Mouse’s Adventures)
£8.15
The Boy on Fire: By Sarthak Sinha
£11.19
