Barnaby’s Big Bear-Balance

Title: Barnaby’s Big Bear-Balance

Target Audience: Ages 3–5

Theme: Emotional Regulation & Stillness

Back Cover

Does your little one have a lot of "wiggles" and "jiggles"?

Barnaby is a very busy, very buzzy cub. He loves to jump, hop, and wiggle—but sometimes, the world feels a little too fast. When Barnaby feels wobbly, his wise friend Silas the Grizzly Bear shows him a special secret: how to find his "Big Bear-Balance."

In this gentle, heart-warming story, children will learn to find their Root (grounding), their Heart (purpose), and their Seed (vision). Through Barnaby’s journey, young readers discover that even the busiest bears can find their inner calm.

Perfect for bedtime reading or anytime a little one needs a moment of peace, Barnaby’s Big Bear-Balance is a beautiful introduction to mindfulness and emotional regulation.

Help your little cub find their balance today. 

[Page 1]

(Illustration: A vibrant, sun-dappled forest. Barnaby, a fluffy, golden-brown cub, is mid-air, trying to catch a butterfly. He looks very wiggly.)

Barnaby Bear was a busy, buzzy cub.

He liked to jump!

He liked to hop!

He liked to wiggle and jiggle and never stop.

[Page 2]

(Illustration: Barnaby has tripped over a root and is lying in a pile of soft, clover-covered grass. He looks a bit confused.)

But sometimes, the world moved too fast for a little bear.

"Oh dear," sighed Barnaby. "I feel so wobbly today."

His paws felt jittery. His tummy felt jumpy. He just couldn't stand still.

[Page 3]

(Illustration: Silas the Grizzly Bear sits on a large, mossy rock. He is big, calm, and solid. Barnaby is looking up at him.)

Silas the Grizzly was the biggest bear in the forest. He sat as still as a mountain.

"Barnaby," rumbled Silas, "a bear needs balance to feel strong. You need your three magic legs."

[Page 4]

(Illustration: Barnaby presses his little paws onto the soft, dark earth.)

"First, the Root," said Silas.

"Press your paws deep into the ground. Feel the earth holding you up?

Deep breath in, deep breath out. Now, you are steady."

[Page 5]

(Illustration: Barnaby puts a paw over his chest, looking happy. Bright, warm colors radiate from his heart.)

"Next, the Heart," said Silas.

"What makes your heart feel warm? Is it honey? Or a hug?

Remember why you are here—to be happy, to be kind, and to be you."

[Page 6]

(Illustration: Barnaby has his eyes closed, smiling. Above his head, a golden, glowing bubble shows him picking berries with his friends.)

"Last, the Seed," said Silas.

"Close your eyes and see your dream. Like a little seed waiting to grow, see what you want to do next.

If you can see it, you can reach it!"

[Page 7]

(Illustration: Barnaby is standing tall on the log across the river. He looks calm and proud.)

Barnaby took a breath.

He felt his Roots in the earth.

He felt the joy in his Heart.

He saw his dream like a Seed in his mind.

Barnaby didn't wiggle. Barnaby didn't jiggle. He walked across the log, steady as a bear can be.

[Page 8]

(Illustration: Barnaby, Silas, and other animal friends sitting together by the river, enjoying a beautiful, quiet sunset.)

"I did it!" cheered Barnaby.

"Paws to the earth, Heart to the aim,

See the dream, and play the game!"