Children often experience emotions that feel much bigger than the situations that cause them. A missing object, a changed routine, or an unfamiliar face can create fear that feels very real. Jillian Bear and the Grandpa Scare treats these moments with respect, showing young readers that their feelings are valid and that reassurance can come through patience and love.
The story follows Jillian, a very small bear who lives a happy, steady life with Mommy Bear and Daddy Bear. Her days are filled with familiarity, which gives her comfort and confidence. On special weekends, Jillian stays with Grandma Bear and Grandpa Bear, whose home feels just as safe. Grandpa Bear, in particular, is someone Jillian knows well. He is huge, gentle, and easy to recognize with his white hair and big white mustache.
One afternoon, after playing at Grandma’s house, Jillian grows tired. Grandma Bear sits in her chair reading, while Grandpa Bear rests in his chair with a book on his chest. Jillian lays down on her special blanket right in the middle of the floor and falls asleep, secure in the knowledge that she is surrounded by people who love her.
When Jillian wakes up, the room looks almost the same—but something important is missing.
Grandma Bear is still there, calm and unbothered. Grandpa Bear, however, is nowhere to be seen. Jillian begins to worry. That worry turns into fear when a huge bear appears through a doorway. This bear looks even bigger than Grandpa Bear, and Jillian doesn’t recognize him at all. His familiar mustache is gone, and everything Jillian relies on to feel safe seems to have changed.
Jillian becomes frightened and starts to cry.
What makes this story stand out is how carefully it handles this moment. Jillian’s fear isn’t dismissed or rushed. The story allows children to see that it’s okay to feel scared when something doesn’t make sense. The new bear speaks kindly, using a phrase Grandpa Bear often said, while Grandma Bear remains calm, offering reassurance simply by staying relaxed.
The turning point comes when Jillian remembers something important about bears. They may not see very well, but they have excellent noses. Jillian takes a moment to sniff the air. She smells her blanket. She smells Grandma Bear. And then she smells Grandpa Bear.
With that realization, everything changes.
The new bear is Grandpa Bear. He didn’t disappear or become someone else. He simply shaved off his mustache. Jillian’s fear fades as understanding takes its place. She runs to Grandpa, who lifts her into his arms and holds her close, reaffirming the love that never left.
Written by Charlie Hart, a father and storyteller, Jillian Bear and the Grandpa Scare reflects a thoughtful understanding of how children experience fear and reassurance. Hart’s writing is gentle and intentional, offering a story that feels safe for young readers while still addressing real emotions.
This book is especially meaningful for parents and grandparents who want to help children talk about change. Whether it’s a new haircut, a different outfit, or another small but confusing shift, children often need time and reassurance to adjust. This story creates space for those conversations without pressure.
In the end, Jillian Bear and the Grandpa Scare delivers a simple but powerful message: love stays the same, even when appearances change. By honoring big feelings in small moments, the book helps children build emotional understanding and trust—one gentle story at a time.
Contact:
Author: Charlie Hart
Website: https://charliehartbooks.com/
Email: sillyjillybear80@yahoo.com
Amazon: Jillian Bear and The Grandpa Scare
