Capes and everyday adventures!
Four Point Five Stars. Beautiful story of Belle Bear who has to move to Calibearia from Mount Bearia.
At Bearia, Belle Bear is confident, but she loses her ‘cape’ when she comes to the new place.
The author has put in her own childhood experiences in a lovely, illustrated book where Belle Bear makes new friends after being her own confident self at the new place.
Cute read for older children.

When Belle and Baba Bear must leave their snowy homeland and move to a new country where everything feels unfamiliar, the story taps right into that universal feeling of being the “new kid” — unsure if you belong.

The theme of belonging and identity is beautifully handled. Belle Bear struggles when the things that once felt special no longer seem to fit, mirroring so many real-life transitions kids face.

The book’s message is strong and affirming:

> “Always remember: You are kind. You are curious. You are brave. You can do anything. Because you are a Belle Bear. And I love you.”



The art and design are equally charming — the hardcover’s square format (8.5" × 8.5") feels perfect for young readers and cozy read-alouds.

While the moving-to-a-new-place theme is easily relatable for many children, the setting of a polar bear cub in a foreign land is somewhat metaphorical. Younger readers might need a little guidance to fully connect the animal story to their own experiences.

Overall, The Adventures of Belle Bear is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book that will speak to children facing change — whether moving homes, starting a new school, or simply learning to believe in themselves. It’s perfect for read-alouds, classroom discussions, and family storytime conversations about courage and self-confidence.

I’d highly recommend it for ages 4–8 (and for parents and educators) looking for a gentle, uplifting story with meaningful themes.

Would I read more by Kathy Akopov Guillory? Absolutely. Her personal background — immigrating to a new country as a child and leaning on her grandmother’s love — shines through, making this story feel deeply authentic and heartfelt. 🐻❄️💙

Life in Mount Bearia couldn’t get any better. Belle Bear and her grandma, Baba Bear, live happily together among their polar bear friends in the beautiful, cold snow, where Belle Bear can be as spirited and confident as she pleases, wearing her orange cape that her grandma made for her, which makes her feel brave. But one day, Baba Bear shares some unexpected news: they are moving to Calibearia! Heartbroken, Belle Bear tries to adjust to her new life in the sunny, tropical country where she doesn’t know anyone. How can she make friends and live a new life in their new home when she’s scared of being so different?

How sweet! Even though I read this book for the lovely pictures (yes, I’m five years old 😂), I learned a thing or two from this cute story. 🥰

I’m not the most confident person in the world (Okay, fine. I’m the least confident person you will ever meet), so reading about the anxiety and fear Belle Bear had of being in a new place resonated A LOT with me. I absolutely hate going to new places, and I avoid putting myself in uncomfortable positions as best as I can, especially as a kid. Do you know the scene from Greta Gerwig's Little Women when Beth tells Laurie’s grandfather that she’d love to play their piano as long as she’s not in the way, and immediately hides behind Marmee and Hanna? Yeah. That was me as a little girl. Beth is literally me. Don’t get me wrong, though. I still do it, but I’ve gotten better at just trying to breathe normally in those situations now that I’m older. I’ve still got some work to do. 😅

Anyway, reading this story helped me realize that I shouldn’t be afraid of people or what they think of me. I’m me, and I should be confident in who I am. I should recite the words Baba Bear tells Belle Bear every night before she goes to bed.

“You are kind. You are curious. You are brave. You can do anything…”

Overall, I definitely recommend this cute, easy-to-read, kids' book for the little ones in your life! I don’t think you’ll regret it. 🐻‍❄❄

Thank you to Blue Balloon Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.

#BelleBear #NetGalley

Another grandmother-granddaughter book that is sweet and heartwarming. But this time its about moving from one place to another. Adjusting and lonely is something that happens when change comes to us. I live how Baba Bear interacts to her granddaughter, encouraging and giving her advice. The artwork is vibrant, not too flashy but gives you that happy vibes.

Belle Bear lived in an ice igloo with her grandmother Baba Bear in arctic Mount Bearia. Baba Bear was wise, kind and confident. She taught Belle Bear confidence. Baba Bear was her favorite person.

One day Baba Bear received a letter and that they needed to leave Mount Bearia and move to Calibearia, which is sunshine and sandy beaches. This worried Belle Bear.

At Calibearia it was hot and there were a lot of animals except polar bears.

The first day of school was discouraging because everyone knew each other and Belle Bear didn’t make friends. The second day she was more confident and made friends.

This is a story about a loving relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter, moving to a new place, making new friends and most importantly finding self confidence.

Thank you #netgalley

My favorite part of this book was the glacier they rode to their new town that was getting smaller / melting. I just thought that was so cute! I am really working on broadening my knowledge of children's books, so I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book. It would be an excellent choice for children who are moving to a new place or starting a new school or really just a great lesson on how to treat new children coming into their school by making them feel welcome.

The Adventures of Belle Bear

A beautifully well written children’s book by Kathy Akopov Guillory. The picture art was beautiful with vivid detail. A happy little polar bear living in Mount Bearia. Then unforeseen change caused fear of the unknown….but Belle was not alone…

The love between a grandmother & granddaughter… priceless
Baba Bear loves her Belle Bear
the orange little cape to help her through her fears…Giving her strength and courage to continue.

“Always remember: You are kind. You are curious. You are brave. You can do anything. Because you are Belle Bear. And I love you”

I absolutely loved it. I feel many of us have these moments where we enter a new place and feel a sense of feeling out of place… because we’re the new kid… and that’s just one part of it…
A children’s book young or old can relate to. I highly recommend!!!

Thank you @NetGalley @Blue Balloon Books

The story of Belle Bear and Baba Bear moving to a new place and having to make new friends was so relatable! This book should be in every elementary school classroom to be read at the beginning of the year or when a new student arrives in class! I love polar bears, so I was immediately drawn to the beautiful illustrations, but the story was so much more than pretty, adorable pictures! The message was clear, relatable, and comforting. Will recommend to anyone with children that’s moving locations!

This book is a treasure to children. What an uplifting, positive story to instil confidence in kids, parents could even integrate these affirmations into their childs life. I was still a bit unsure why the change in location but once I read about the author at the end it all made sense. What a wonderful story, and what a heart warming connection Bella Bear and Baba Bear have.

The Adventures of Belle Bear is a sweet story about a polar bear that has to move from her home nation to a new place where she feels out of sorts and lost. With the help of her Baba or Grandmother she remembers who she is and how to use her confidence to make new friends! Recommend all teachers and parents when a student has to move and you must ease their worries.

Great read for those who have a child facing a life change that has them nervous.

Belle Bear finds herself at a new school and has to be brave to make friends, luckily her grandmother reminders her that she is kind, curious, brave and she can do anything!

This was a sweet and encouraging book about moving to a new place as a child and learning how to be brave and confident while making new friends. I loved the adorable polar bear characters and the cute illustrations, which really added to the story. One of my favorite parts was the mantra Baba Bear gives Belle Bear, as it helps reinforce her confidence and reminds kids that they can do anything they set their minds to. This was a lovely book with a great message that will resonate with children who are facing new experiences or changes.