Saving Yasha

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the bittersweet reality of growing up or needs to understand that helping someone often means preparing them to be independent. It is a perfect selection for children who feel a deep, protective connection to animals or those facing a transition where they must say goodbye to a person or place they love. The story follows two dedicated scientists in the Russian wilderness as they rescue Yasha, an orphaned moon bear cub, and painstakingly teach him the skills he needs to survive on his own. Through stunning photography and a gentle narrative, the book explores themes of empathy, the scientific process, and the necessity of letting go. It offers a realistic look at wildlife rehabilitation that avoids sentimentality, making it an excellent tool for teaching emotional resilience and the importance of respecting nature. Parents will appreciate how it models a healthy, selfless form of caregiving that prioritizes the needs of the cub over the desires of the humans.