From #1 New York Times bestelling author, Katherine Applegate, here is a stunning tale of kindness and second chances. For fans of Odder, Wishtree, Willodeen, and The One and Only Ivan.
Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.
Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some.
An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.---from the publisher
272 pages 978-1250904362 Ages 8-12
Keywords: bears, bravery, kindness, love, loyalty, friendship, second chance, World War I, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old, If You Liked the One and Only Ivan
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I have never thought of a cat as being a hero but in this story it certainly is a possibility. Zephyrina, the cat, is a, dare I say, catalyst for what unfolds here in a small home where Dasha and her mother, Elizaveta have landed after their own journey as refugees. This place is their second chance and both having been gifted with great hearts, have named decided to create the "Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured."
The tossed are mostly toys with a majority being stuffed animals and on the day we are privileged to see the inside of the place of second chances, a new toy has arrived on the scene covered in tomato sauce, spaghetti strings, garlic and a very unacceptable smell of mothballs. He doesn't know it but this new visitor, a bear, has landed in the best of all possible worlds.
Here, the toys can talk and they can plan and they can help each other. They make sure that neither Dasha or Elizabeta ever gets a glimpse of them being "alive." The toys meet at night under the leadership of Pocket Bear and the new toy, whose name will become Berton, gets a good Spa Day and then comes to join the crew.
There is a problem with this happy arrival though because periodically a "picker" named Vicky comes by to take a look at any new arrivals just in case they might be something she could sell to someone else for good money. There is also a gentleman named John who also comes by to see what new toys have arrived. He, however, is searching for important toys to find a new home in his museum where many visitors can come to learn and enjoy them.
So, you probably have a feeling where all this might be heading and you are absolutely correct. But my dear reader, as always with Katherine Applegate, there is more to the story.
Yes, a small bear is in serious danger of being snatched. Yes, Pocket Bear has found a very good new friend he would not want to lose. But, you know, it turns out there is something about this new little bear - he just might be a rare bear. A rare bear. Imagine it!
So, where does he belong? What is his value now? In nicely short chapters our story unfolds and we come to know that Berton, the new member of the Second Chances toy ensemble, has quite a story to tell. As does Pocket Bear. As do we all. Hidden in the day by day adventures is a gem that Katherine A. is giving us.
This story is meant for winter afternoons or fall rainy days or during a wonderful summer thunderstorm. Curl up. Get your comfiest clothes and your favorite stuffed friend and come along. It's a small adventure about second chances and it holds a huge, and much-needed treasure being given each one of us via the small heart of a very wonderful bear.
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
