That idea gives the story much of its emotional power. Bunns may be small and treated as an outsider, but her courage grows from compassion rather than a desire to prove everyone wrong. Her quest is not simply about finding acceptance; it is about learning to trust herself and recognizing that being different does not make her dangerous or less worthy.

The illustrations are soft and welcoming, with just the right mix of realism and imagination. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, look around, and appreciate the little things in nature. And when it’s coming from someone who lives in the same region and draws so much inspiration from the local landscape—it hits even harder.

I read with the girls Jim Arnosky’s ‘Every Autumn Comes The Bear’. I have always been an avid fan of Jim Arnosky’s work since he was the first children’s book author I met way back in the early 80’s in elementary school and he is local to my area.