Aya Has Never Seen a Bear

Gr 1-3–This beautifully illustrated picture book blends fiction and nonfiction through the story of Aya, an Oroqen girl living with her grandparents. On an autumn morning, she and her grandfather prepare their horses to go into the forest to look for bears. They travel through woodlands and wetlands, crossing the mountains of northern China, until they find a mother bear and her cubs. After observing the bear family, Aya and her grandfather burn some trash left behind by another group of humans to keep the bears from becoming habituated. At the end, both human and bear families are ready to settle down for winter. Mixed-media illustrations depict the lush habitats, flora, and fauna that make up the background for their journey. Back matter explains that Aya’s story is set in the 1970s and gives some background on the history and traditions of the Oroqen people. The core story also includes a powerful message about taking care of forest resources when Aya and her grandfather clean up after others and ensure that their fire is safely extinguished before leaving.