
James Peter Behr’s Bear and Girl introduces readers to a captivating character: Bear. With his immense size, sharp wit, and deep compassion, Bear represents far more than a talking animal. He embodies qualities that resonate universally, teaching us profound lessons about strength, empathy, and the human experience.
Fictional animals have long held a special place in storytelling. From Aesop’s fables to modern classics like Charlotte’s Web, they allow us to explore human emotions and values through a unique lens. Bear in Bear and Girl continues this tradition. Though a polar bear by appearance, he possesses a depth of wisdom and understanding that reflects the best of humanity. His ability to bridge the gap between animal instinct and human intellect makes him a compelling figure who speaks to readers on multiple levels.
One of the reasons readers are drawn to animal characters like Bear is their inherent sense of purity. Free from societal constraints and complexities, animals often act as mirrors, reflecting our most fundamental traits. In Bear, we see unwavering loyalty, kindness, and a quiet strength. His role as Girl’s protector and guide reminds us of the importance of selfless care and the power of simply being there for someone in need.
Bear also serves as a symbol of resilience. Living in the remote wilderness, he has faced his own challenges, though the book leaves much of his past a mystery. His ability to create a safe haven for Girl despite his solitary existence demonstrates the healing power of connection and the strength that comes from choosing compassion over isolation.
An Amazon review by Gerard H. Quak captures this beautifully:
“This is the most unbelievable fairytale like love story I ever read. The development of the story is told step by step and kept me reading till late at night. I loved it.”
Another layer of symbolism lies in Bear’s physicality. His immense size and strength contrast with his gentle demeanor, challenging traditional notions of power. Bear shows that true strength lies not in aggression but in the ability to nurture and protect. This juxtaposition inspires readers to rethink their own definitions of strength and consider how they can channel it to support others.
Bear’s role as a storyteller further deepens his symbolic significance. Through his bedtime tales, he imparts wisdom and encourages Girl to find hope and courage within herself. This act of sharing stories echoes the timeless human tradition of using narratives to make sense of the world, heal from pain, and build connections.
For humanity, Bear in Bear and Girl serves as both a mirror and a model. He reminds us of the qualities we admire and strive to embody—patience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to those we care about. At the same time, he challenges us to see beyond our limitations and embrace the transformative power of kindness and connection.
In the end, Bear is not just a fictional character but a reflection of the values that make us human. His presence in Girl’s life, and in the story as a whole, leaves readers with a lasting impression: sometimes, it takes a fictional animal to teach us the most important lessons about ourselves.