Kiri Lightfoot

Bear is my first novel, and it took me a long time to write. In many ways, I needed those years to discover what I truly wanted to say. When I started this book, my daughter was a toddler; by the time I finished, she was a teenager. But everything I learned along the way found its way into these pages.

I wanted to create a story that young readers could relate to—one that explores themes of anxiety, blended families, anger, and low self-worth. It was a joy to collaborate with Pippa Keel Situ, whose fabulous illustrations beautifully capture the role of creative self-expression in mental health.

Despite the book’s darker and more complex themes, I also wanted to bring in lightness and humour. I hope readers find comfort, connection, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.