“These wittily illustrated stories of mishaps, hurt feelings, fondness and friendship have a transporting quality.” Guardian on Bear and The Picnic and Other Stories Cosy, funny and with heaps of heart, this is a picture book story of first friendship from the beloved creator of the The Boy With Flowers in His Hair, winner of the Oscar's Book Prize_,_ and a picture book prequel to the internationally successful young reader series. When Bear arrives at the Woody Woods for the first time, he is looking for a friend. But it seems like all the friends are already taken. But then he meets Bird, who is looking for something, too – the Puffy Fluffy Octopus Cloud! Bear decides to help her look for it and so begins an unexpected adventure... Will they ever find that octopus-shaped cloud? Perhaps they might find something even better? “Bear and Bird has all the charm and wisdom of Julian Gough and Jim Field’s Rabbit and Bear series … The illustrations are glorious.” Irish Independent on Bear and The Picnic and Other Stories "Jarvis’s digital drawings, in beautiful colors, have an attractive handmade feel." The New York Times Book Review on Bear and The Picnic and Other Stories Readers aged 5-7 can enjoy lots more Bear and Bird adventures in the young reader series. Look out Bear and The Picnic and Other Stories Bear and The Stars and Other Stories Bear and The Adventure and Other Stories Bear and The Stick and Other Stories Bear and The Cave and Other Stories Bear and The Secret and Other Stories