Bearcub and Mama by Sharon Jennings

Illustrated by Mélanie Watt. 32 p., Kids Can, 2005. Part of growing up is to move from having a parent literally with you to having that parent in your heart. Bearcub learns this as he grows. First, he always follows his mama. As he gets a little older, he starts to explore on his own. When he gets caught in a storm, he howls for Mama, but she doesn't find him. He realizes that he should go home, finds his scent, and follows his trail back to his den. Mama isn't there, but her scent comforts him, and he remembers that she'd told him that storms always pass. And in the morning, Mama has returned. Bearcub proudly tells her that he remembered that storms pass. Now he has her with him inside, in his memories and thoughts. Illustrated with tender acrylic paintings, this story helps children take love and security with them wherever they go. Ages 3-6