Pocket Bear

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.

Don't miss more heartwarming books by Katherine Applegate:
Odder
Wishtree
Crenshaw
Willodeen

Author: Katherine Applegate
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Published: 09/09/2025
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.72lbs
Size: 7.79h x 5.61w x 0.98d
ISBN: 9781250904362
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.9
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 556171 / Pocket Bear


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/21/2025
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2025
Booklist 08/01/2025
School Library Journal 09/19/2025 pg. 1
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2025 pg. 60

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.