The First Unibear

Winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Book in the Category of Children's Christian Fall 2021

Winner of the Literary Titan Book award for The First Unibear. This award is bestowed on literature that expertly delivers thought-provoking poetry with a unique voice.

‘A superbly illustrated picture book with a strong message of kindness. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’

2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention in the category of Charity / Making A Difference

The First Unibear by Kathleen J. Shields is a picture book story decades in the making. The hardcover is illustrated in lovely full color by Aashay Utkarsh, while its paperback coloring book version is presented in black-and-white so kids can also enjoy a coloring book experience. The vivid story lends to read-aloud as a playful little bear cub explores his world. The tale is presented in rollicking rhymes accompanied by spiritual and psychological inspections as the cub stumbles upon a sad horse in the forest: “Hello Mister Horse, are you feeling okay? Why look so sad on such a fine day? The birds they are singing, the flowers in bloom, why Mister Horse, do you show so much gloom?” It takes a kind heart to reap the rewards of helping another, and when little bear is given insights (which he shares with others) about the horse, unexpected changes take place. Parents who choose this inviting fantasy story for kids will be able to not only embellish the rhymes and enjoy the colorful forest animals, but can explain the bear's discoveries, dilemmas, and choices as well as the special form of magic which evolves when the tables are turned. Lessons about kindness, giving, rewards, sharing magic, and appreciating spiritual components in life abound in the guise of a fun fantasy story that kids and read-aloud parents will appreciate. There is nothing in the children's picture book world that's quite like The First Unibear. Its winning messages offer much food for thought in a detailed, fun story that will keep young listeners engaged and thinking and read-aloud parents delighted by the numerous opportunities to discuss lessons about the many types of gifts received from helping others.

Little Bear loves to run and play. He chases birds, climbs trees, and is so curious about the world. One day, while Little Bear went exploring, he spotted a butterfly and followed it to a clearing where he found a horse that was stuck. Little Bear hurried to help the horse and set him free, but once he set the horse free, he realized that it was no ordinary horse. It was a unicorn, but not everyone could see it. Little Bear was brave and kind so he could see the unicorn. Little Bear went back and told his friends, but not everyone believed him. Bunny believed and prayed that she could meet a unicorn too. So Little Bear and Bunny continued to go about helping other animals that needed it and one day something amazing happened. Little Bear and his friend Bunny were brave and kind and you can be too. Kathleen Shields's The First Unibear is a wonderful children's adventure story that promotes kindness, bravery, and faith in the goodness of others. The illustrations are done by Aashay Utkarsh and they are vibrant and captivating for young readers. The story flows with a rhyme scheme that is catchy and perfect for reading to children. The First Unibear is a great, imaginative children's story that encourages compassion and helpfulness to others and the belief that we can all achieve goodness. The First Unibear is an inspirational tale that would be a great addition to any child's library.

Acts Of Kindness and Lessons Learned! This bear Adventure is “Enchanting”. Beautiful bright, colorful illustrations by Aashay Utkarsh will delight children. This enchanting story told by Award Winning Author Kathleen J. Shields inspires children as they join Bear on his adventurous day outside. Bear’s act of kindness and pure heart brings him face-to-face with a magical unicorn. Bear’s woodland friends do not believe his unicorn story at first. Many lessons will be learned, including acts of kindness naturally spread to others, even if it starts with ‘The First Unibear’. I recommend this teaching kindness picture book for all young readers 4-10 years old. ‘The First Unibear’ should be placed in community, church, and school libraries. I hope this book finds its ways to those children confined to hospitals and homeless shelters. There is even a black and white coloring book to purchase so the magic can continue.

God answers prayers. When all seems dark and dismal, He's only a prayer away. When bear related his story to his friends, some were awed, while others scoffed. So it is when we try to tell others the 'good news' and spread the 'word.' Some people will be hears only, while others will be doers. When you do a good deed, do not do so with expectations. Do it with a good heart and the purest of intentions. When others see this, they will do the same and thus start a chain reaction of goodness.

I had the pleasure of knowing the author when she was a child. My mind wanders back to a little girl with twinkles in her eyes who had a very active spirit and imagination. And this book is definitely proof of that. Thoroughly enjoyed the story of kindness paid forward from the eyes of a very wise 10 year old.

I first noticed this book seemed to be a longer children's book, but then when I read the story to my daughter, I understood why. This intricate story tells the tale of Bear who happens upon a sad little white horse laying on the ground. The two form a beautiful friendship, which results in how The First UniBear came to be. (I won't give too much away). The colorful illustrations are beautifully drawn and remind me of some of the more traditional children's books. This book is great to read to younger children and not too difficult for older children to enjoy.