Otis Knows (How to Be a Bear)
When other bears emerge from their dens, Otis sleeps on. When other bears chase slippery salmon, Otis waits patiently at his own special spot by the river. When other bears play and tussle, Otis naps. Why? Because Otis knows how to be a bear, in his own way and in his own time. Inspired by a real-life Alaskan brown bear who rose to stardom during Fat Bear Week, Otis Knows invites readers to embrace their individuality – and learn all about bears, hibernation and hyperphagia! Co-authored by Martha Brockenbrough, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, and published by Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster in 2026.
“In this playful ode to both snoozing and snacking… Scanlon and Brockenbrough’s prose is direct and intentional. An engaging, humorous tale cleverly grounded in natural realities.” – Kirkus
“This sturdy picture book advocates industrial-strength patience and unflappable self-knowledge… an energy worth bearing in mind when the world demands keeping up.” – Publishers Weekly
“Kiddos, especially any fans of Fat Bear Week, will love sweet, funny Otis… there’s fun here but also a sweet moral about doing things on your own timeline that will resonate with readers who move at a slightly slower pace.” – The Bulletin of the Center For Children’s Books
“The authors set their lighthearted, unsentimental narrative in Alaska’s Katmai National Park… (Otis) exaggeratedly stretches and snores, uttering a compelling “SSSNNNNNNRRRRRRRRKKKK…” that encourages listeners to replicate throughout the story. Informative back matter discusses the bears in the park and provides an overview of hibernation. A terrific blend of humor and information.” – The Horn Book
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