The Bear That Heard Crying

This poignant chapter book recounts the unbelievable but true story of Sarah Whitcher, a three-year-old girl who went missing in the New Hampshire woods in 1783. For three harrowing days, her family and community searched desperately. When Sarah is finally found, she describes being kept warm by a 'big black dog,' but the bear tracks surrounding her resting place tell a different, miraculous tale. Enhanced by stunning illustrations, this book explores themes of survival, the power of nature, and the unexpected kindness found in the wild. It's suitable for children aged 4-11, offering a gentle yet dramatic historical narrative.

An IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Book. The drama of this unbelievable but true story is enhanced by Ted Rand’s stunning illustrations. In June 1783, three-year-old Sarah Whitcher wanders into the woods and disappears. For three long days, friends and neighbors search fruitlessly for her. Then a stranger leads the desperate family to a pine tree beneath which the child lies. Sarah tells her rescuers of the “big black dog” that kept her warm every night—but the bear tracks encircling her tell a different tale. “A treat for ‘pioneer story’ buffs.”—School Library Journal