“These wittily illustrated stories of mishaps, hurt feelings, fondness and friendship have a transporting quality.” Guardian on Bear and Bird: 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?

"An utterly adorable picture book about early friendships and what matters most. The art is breathtakingly beautiful - every page is a masterpiece. Little readers will love it." Books that Help

“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 Bird: 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 Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories

Readers aged 5-7 can enjoy lots more Bear and Bird adventures in the young reader series. Look out for:

Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Stick and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Cave and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Secret and Other Stories