Title: Howie, the Unusual Bear
Author: Laure Stack
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 979-8265815255
Pages: 35
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
In the normal course of growing up, many children feel as if they have some differences from their other children and friends. Those differences often bring into question their path in the future as to whether they will find a special companion who will appreciate their unique or unusual personality, as they often see all around them the many other children that aren’t exactly keen on their personality traits. They go on their way enjoying the pleasures of their curiosity and comfort and as they grow up, and in many cases feel further isolated from the group.
In author and creator Laure Stack’s children’s book Howie, the Unusual Bear, readers meet Howie the bear who really is a wonderful bear but doesn’t fit in with his other bears. Howie likes the more civilized life of having a log cabin instead of sleeping outside in the brush. He enjoys reading books instead of frolicking in the woods. Instead of scrounging for fruit and nuts, he grows his own food in his garden outside his cabin. Yet most interestingly, Howie wonders to himself if he would ever find a companion who would be the right one to share his life with.
As fate would have it, one day a pretty girl bear, Chloe, wanders into his life and they both realize they are very compatible. Chloe likes Howie’s cabin, and likes to read books, and just like Howie, she also was wondering if she would ever find a mate in life.
The book concludes with a happily-ever-ending showing Howie and Chloe with two bear cubs, growing a family. But what this shows to readers is that there is hope in life that they will also find someone with the same values as they have, and a happy future is something they will enjoy. This is an important message for kids growing up to give them confidence and hope, not to change their way of life but to seek out someone who accepts them for the way they are. Yes, life has a way of giving everyone the feeling of happiness Howie and Chloe together have found, but it just may take some time, but not to give up hope.
Howie, the Unusual Bear is heavily laden with artistic illustrations forming a powerful storyboard for children to read along, with clear lettering of the text and poignant sentences geared towards the minds of young children’s reading level. The cover boasts a “Best Seller” award from Amazon, which it deserves.
Laure Stack has created a book which is an ideal addition to a family library with young children, who will grow up knowing the personified bear Howie as being a role model for all who have unusual personalities. Love finds a way. Perfect for young readers who love stories with colorful characters and big-hearted lessons.
