The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
By Author / Illustrator
Stephanie Stansbie, Wendy J Warren
Genre
Personal Growth
Age range(s)
5+
Publisher
Little Tiger
ISBN
9781801048569
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
06-08-2026
Synopsis
A heartwarming picture book about chasing your dreams, celebrating your differences and twirling to your own rhythm. Meet Rita, a big bear with an even bigger dream! Rita is a talented, passionate, hard-working ballerina. And she's top of her class! But when she studies her ballet magazines, and compares herself to her friends, she realises - she's the wrong shape! Can Rita find her inner power and confidence in her beautiful big-bear body?
With lyrical text from Stephanie Stansbie and soft, magical illustrations from debut talent Wendy Warren, The Bear Who Wanted to Dance is a beautiful picture book about self-acceptance, body positivity, representation, and - of course - dancing!
Perfect for sharing with fans of Brontorina by James Howe and Randy Cecil, Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, and Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love. This uplifting story will strike a chord with any child who has ever felt out of place or like they didn't quite fit the mould.
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