The Ring Bear

Full of warmth and gentle humor, this is the story of Westley, an imaginative, precocious boy, and his struggle with the intrusion of an unwanted new stepdad into the happy, comfortable family he and his mother have formed. When Westley's mother announces her engagement to Stan and asks Westley to be the “ring bear,” he feels confused, frustrated, and anxious about his changing family situation and his role in the wedding ceremony. Engaging his imagination, he envisions himself as a rascally bear who will wreak havoc during the ceremony and act out his mixed feelings about his mother and Stan. When his stepdad realizes the importance of Westley's imaginary world, he reveals his own sense of humor and fun by planning a special wedding treat for Westley that helps him transform himself into a willing ring bearer and stepson.

David Michael Slater is an acclaimed author of over 20 books for children, teens, and adults.  He teaches middle school English in Reno, Nevada, where he lives with his wife and son. You can can learn more at davidmichaelslater.com.

 

S. G. Brooks is best known as one of the illustrators of Smokey the Bear. His work has appeared in Cricket magazine, The Washington Post, and The Natural Inquirer, and he illustrated The Three Armadillies Tuff. He lives in Washington, D.C.