“These wittily illustrated stories of mishaps, hurt feelings, fondness and friendship have a transporting quality.” - Guardian on Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories

Cosy, funny and with heaps of heart, this is a picture book story of first friendship from the beloved creator of The Boy With Flowers in His Hair, winner of the Oscar’s Book Prize, and a picture book prequel to the internationally successful young reader series.

When Bear arrives at the Woody Woods for the first time, he is looking for a friend. But it seems like all the friends are already taken. But then he meets Bird, who is looking for something, too – the Puffy Fluffy Octopus Cloud! Bear decides to help her look for it and so begins an unexpected adventure…

Will they ever find that octopus-shaped cloud? Perhaps they might find something even better?

“An utterly adorable picture book about early friendships and what matters most. The art is breathtakingly beautiful - every page is a masterpiece. Little readers will love it.” - Books that Help

“Bear and Bird has all the charm and wisdom of Julian Gough and Jim Field’s Rabbit and Bear series … The illustrations are glorious.” - Irish Independent on Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories

“Jarvis’s digital drawings, in beautiful colors, have an attractive handmade feel.” - The New York Times Book Review on Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories