Book Nook - Look! A Bear!

 

The Collective Book Studio/Tiny Torch Books is delighted to announce the publication of Look! A Bear! (September 29, 2026), a beautifully illustrated new picture book by acclaimed author and illustrator Elisa Kleven. Perfect for children ages 4–8, this enchanting tale celebrates friendship, empathy, and the magic of seeing beyond first impressions.

In Look! A Bear!, readers meet Remy, a curious young rabbit who spots a bear cub one morning and longs to play with her. When Remy’s parents caution that rabbits and bears don’t play together, Remy wonders if that’s truly the case. Setting off on a journey fueled by curiosity and courage, Remy discovers that friendship can bloom in the most unexpected places. Along the way, he learns that kindness, imagination, and an open heart can transform uncertainty into connection.

With more than thirty beloved children’s books to her credit, Elisa Kleven brings her signature warmth and artistry to this new story. Her richly textured, expressive illustrations invite young readers to linger on every page, discovering details that deepen the emotional journey and encourage repeated reading.

“Elisa creates beautiful stories that resonate deeply with children and the adults who share books with them,” said Angela Engel, founder and publisher of The Collective Book Studio. “We are so proud to publish Look! A Bear! a wonderful story that gently teaches readers that curiosity and compassion can help us see beyond differences and discover friendship in surprising places.”

“I am deeply grateful to Angela Engel and The Collective Book Studio team for giving this book a home,” says author Elisa Kleven. “Remy and Bella are the kind of friends I would have sought out as a child. Like them, I grew up loving animals and finding magic in the world around me — seeing gentle spirits in sticks and stones, trees and clouds, and even in the quiet spaces between them. This story is an invitation to readers of all ages to hold onto their sense of wonder, imagination, and belief in the unseen magic that surrounds us.”

With themes of friendship across differences, empathy, and imaginative play, Look! A Bear! is ideal for classroom discussions, library story times, and bedtime reading. The book’s thoughtful narrative and inviting illustrations encourage children to question assumptions, embrace curiosity, and recognize the beauty in forming new friendships.

About the Author-Illustrator

Elisa Kleven writes and illustrates picture books because she’s never outgrown her childhood passion for art and story making. Having spent much of her childhood creating magical, miniature worlds, Elisa now creates similar worlds inside of her picture books. She is the acclaimed author and/or illustrator of over thirty children’s books, including Sun Bread, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, The Paper Princess, and Abuela, by Arthur Dorros. Elisa’s work has earned national recognition, including honors from the American Library Association, The New York Times, Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Her celebrated storytelling style, paired with imaginative and visually rich artwork, has made her a favorite among families, educators, and librarians alike. Her books have been included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Reading Rainbow series. Elisa's stories have also been performed as plays and ballets by professional theater and dance companies. To learn more visit www.elisakleven.com.

 

Tiny Torch Books is devoted to crafting beautiful books that excite, engage, and inspire kids. They publish stories that ignite ideas and curiosity, and that lay the foundation for a lifetime love of reading. For more information visit: www.TinyTorchBooks.com

 

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned, independent publisher dedicated to creating high-quality, beautifully crafted books that celebrate diverse voices and empower storytelling. Our unique publishing model creates a true partnership between author and publisher, meaning our authors can spend time doing what they love while we take care of everything else.

 

The Collective Book Studio is an independent press based in Oakland, CA.. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com