Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate (Author)

An instant New York Times Bestseller!

Meet Pocket, created as a good luck charm for soldiers going into battle, whose bravery and loyalty lives on long after the war.

From Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Odder and The One and Only Ivan.

Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier's jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as "The Cat Burglar," have seen it all, and then some.

An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.

About the Author:
Katherine Applegate is a #1 New York Times-bestselling author who has written many children's books, including The One and Only Ivan, which won a Newbery Medal; The One and Only Bob; Wishtree; and the Doggo and Pupper series. Her novel, Odder, spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list; she adapted that story for the picture book, Odder: An Otter's Story, illustrated by Charles Santoso. She is also the coauthor, with Gennifer Choldenko, of Dogtown and Mouse and His Dog: A Dogtown Book. Katherine Applegate lives in Nevada with her loyal husband and her naughty dog.

The reviews are in!

★ "Newbery Medalist Applegate weaves a gently sophisticated tale that considers the trauma brought about by war on those forced to endure it. Zephyrina's grudging first-person POV injects humor into tender and eloquent narrative sequences, which Santoso expertly complements with detailed grayscale illustrations depicting moments such as Pocket's loving creation and a midnight conference of toys. Across brief yet rousing chapters, this treasure of a book evokes laughter, tears, and introspection in equal measure. "-- Publishers Weekly, starred & boxed review

★ "Applegate's writing is exquisitely nuanced; she couches profound themes in accessible language that depicts relatable situations. Gentle, generous Elizaveta and Dasha poignantly underscore the human impact of wars. Santoso's enchanting, delicate, black-and-white illustrations bring the timeless feeling of a classic to this hopeful, humanizing story of the distressed looking out for each other. Poignant and heartwarming." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "On its surface, this Toy Story-esque tale is a gentle fantasyadventure with a dash of mystery, but Applegate adds layers that give the story meaningful depth. The history of teddy bears is deftly stitched into the narrative, and the echoes of war quietly reverberate through the tale in unexpected ways. Soft graphite chapter illustrations reflect the story's sweetness in charming detail, while Zephyrina's narration adds a memorable and comic touch to this salute to friendship and second chances. .... Applegate's books are reliably wonderful..."-- Booklist, starred review

★ "Applegate's latest strikes at the heart, addressing the vitality of empathy, the long-lasting effects of war, and the power of found family. Readers follow the plot through Zephyrina's perspective and journey from a tough street cat to a loving pet. One can either let their past harden them or let it soften them to the world around them, and the characters of Applegate's book strive for empathy and softness.-- School Library Journal, starred review

"A well-paced, reassuring tale of friendship with just a bit of mild tension. Fans of Applegate will be pleased." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

"Middle-grade veteran Applegate effortlessly weaves a believable animal fantasy." -- The Horn Book

ISBN: 9781250904362
ISBN-10: 1250904366
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
Pages: 272
Language: English
Format: Hardcover

Recommended Reading Level
Ages 7 to 11