Additional information
by Katmai Stories (Author)
Discover the magic of Alaska's Katmai National Park through the eyes of a curious and determined spring cub in Adventures of Jolly, the Alaskan Bear Cub. It is a beautifully watercolor illustrated picture book inspired by the real bear known as Jolly (Bear 335).
One bright spring morning on Snowy Mountain, little Jolly wakes up full of energy but her mother, Holly (Bear 435), still needs "five more minutes." Bored and bursting with excitement, Jolly sets out to explore her icy world. From tumbling through deep snow to meeting squirrels, dodging prickly porcupines, and learning to be patient while Mom fishes for salmon, Jolly discovers that growing up isn't always easy or "fun".
This heartfelt story also gently mirrors the real experiences of young children who are learning to make new friends whether at the playground, at daycare, or as they begin school. Just like Jolly, little readers discover that making friends can feel uncertain at times, but with courage, kindness, and a little patience, they can find their place too. Jolly's journey leads her all the way to the iconic Brooks Falls, where she meets other playful cubs who welcome her just as she is. At last, Jolly feels like she belongs.
Perfect for young nature lovers, animal fans, classrooms, and adventurous families, this heartwarming story blends engaging storytelling with fascinating real-life bear facts inspired by the wild brown bears of Katmai including those seen on the Explore.org bear cams.
Features & Benefits:
- Heartwarming themes of friendship, bravery, and resilience inspired by Jolly's real-life journey
- Based on true bears of Katmai National Park, including Holly (Bear 435) and Jolly (Bear 335)
- Educational wildlife facts woven naturally into the story, ideal for STEM and nature-based learning
- Promotes emotional intelligence, female role models, and self-confidence
- Beautiful hand-drawn watercolor illustrations that capture the wonder of Alaska's wilderness
- Introduces young readers to Brooks Falls, the salmon run, and brown bear behavior in a fun, accessible way
- Encourages wildlife exploration through the Explore.org live bear cams
- Includes links to free activity sheets, coloring pages, and printables
- Perfect for classroom read-alouds, bedtime stories, homeschool learning, and national-park-loving families
- Great gift for park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to share the magic of Alaska.
Let Jolly encourage your child to be curious, stay kind, and make new friends with confidence even when it feels a little scary.
