*One of The Guardian's Best Children's Books of 2025*

'Here’s a bear that lives and breathes in your mind long after the story is over. Powerful, majestic, vulnerable, an iconic portrait.' - Michael Morpurgo

The Great Bear is a hopeful, moving story about the wonder of nature and the power of storytelling.

Since the dawn of time, the Great Bear has patrolled the oceans, protecting the Earth and her animals and overseeing the delicate balance of life. But now, one creature is changing everything. And the Great Bear cannot stand by.

Debut author and illustrator Annie Booker's The Great Bear has the feel of a classic. The hand-painted illustrations capture the fragility and power of the natural world, making this beautiful book the perfect gift for fans of illustration and animal lovers of all ages.

This large hardback book features inspiring facts about real-life polar bears and the regeneration of the Arctic, making the perfect read for budding environmentalists and conservationists.

Here’s a bear that lives and breathes in your mind long after the story is over. Powerful, majestic, vulnerable, an iconic portrait. * Michael Morpurgo *
A lyrical, haunting story... This beautiful debut is both urgent and hopeful. * The Guardian – Best Children's Books of 2025 *
With its epic nature drawings and story of a wise, all-seeing animal asking mankind to change its ways, Annie Booker's The Great Bear feels more like a precious folk tale handed down the generations than a debut release. -- Imogen Carter * The Observer *
A stunningly realised, powerful debut from an exciting new talent * The Bookseller - Ten titles not to miss in October *
With muted colours and sweeping brush strokes Annie Booker captures the wonder, mystery and fragility of nature. A book to gift or keep for years to come. * Children's Book of the Week - Press Association *
This beautifully illustrated picture book blends mythic storytelling with a poignant environmental message. A hopeful tale for readers aged 4 to 8. * Woman and Home *
the tale is full of hope and the artwork is mesmerising * Daily Mail *
A stunning picture book debut... filled with epic, hand-painted illustrations depicting a world of snowy mountains, towering waves and deep, cold water, Booker captures nature in the raw.... A tale of our times with all the hallmarks of a future classic… * Lancashire Post *

Annie Booker is a Carlisle-based author and illustrator with a love for wildlife and passion for protecting endangered species. Her interest in illustration was nurtured by her aunt who was also a wildlife painter. After graduating from the University of West England, she lived in Bristol and went on to win the Batsford Prize People’s Choice Award as well as a commendation in the Macmillan Prize. She is in training as a bird ringer with the British Ornithology Trust and documents her experiences on Instagram. She lives in Carlisle.