Overview

Inspired by the life of a real Alaskan brown bear named Otis, who rose to internet stardom during Fat Bear Week, this heartwarming picture book invites young readers to celebrate their differences and embrace their individuality. Otis sleeps his deep and heavy sleep. He dreams his Otis dreams. And he’ll wake when he’s ready, in his own way, in his own time. Why? Because Otis knows. While other bears emerge from their dens on the first spring morning, Otis is still sleeping. While other bears chase slippery salmon through the water, Otis catches them from his own special spot by the river. While other bears play and tussle, Otis naps. Why? Because Otis knows something we can all get behind: the best way to be…is to be yourself, in your own time and in your own unique way.

Full Product Details

9781665970815

Table of Contents

Reviews

Inspired by a real brown bear—a denizen of Alaska’s Katmai National Park & Preserve, and repeat Fat Bear Week champion—this sturdy picture book advocates industrial-strength patience and unflappable self-knowledge. After hibernating through the Alaskan winter, bears awaken with bellies like “hollow pockets, growling to be filled,” Scanlon and Brockenbrough write. The animals trudge to the river where salmon are running. . . while “other bears are younger. Faster. Stronger,” Otis doesn’t worry. Across digital drawings that resemble contemporary animation, Laberis portrays the bear as rakish, rumpled, and wise: he waits for the perfect spot, eats unhurriedly, and occasionally naps, knowing that “what does matter is being a bear in his own way, in his own time.” It’s an energy worth bearing in mind when the world demands keeping up. -- Publishers Weekly * 2/23/2026 *

Author Information

Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of numerous celebrated picture books, including One Dark Bird; In the Canyon; Happy Birthday, Bunny!; the Caldecott Honor recipient All the World; Thank You, Garden; and The Family Tree. Liz is an adjunct professor of creative writing at Austin Community College, and her poetry has been published widely in literary journals. She lives with her family in Austin, Texas. Visit her at LizGartonScanlon.com. Martha Brockenbrough is the author of more than twenty books for young readers, including YA fiction and nonfiction, picture books, a middle grade mystery, and a chapter book series. She founded National Grammar Day, and her work has been published in The New York Times. Martha lives in Seattle with her family. Visit her at NothingtoNovel.com. Stephanie Laberis is a California-based artist and Rhode Island School of Design alumna. Her childhood spent in the woods of New England sparked her love for animals and the natural world and still inspires her artwork. She is the illustrator of many picture books, including All of Those Babies by Mylisa Larsen; Fur, Feather, Fin: All of Us Are Kin by Diane Lang; and the Grumpy Cat Little Golden Book series. When she’s not drawing, Steph volunteers at her local wildlife hospital or spends quality time with her beloved cats, rats, and mice. Visit her at StephLaberis.Squarespace.com.

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