The Bear Who Wanted to Dance by Stephanie Stansbie

Meet Rita, a big bear with an even bigger dream! Rita is a talented dancer - fuelled by a passion for ballet. And she's top of her class. But when she studies her ballet magazines, and compares herself to her friends, she realises - she's the wrong shape! Can Rita find her inner power and confidence in her beautiful big-bear body? A stunningly illustrated, lyrical take on body positivity and representation from a debut illustrator.

A heartwarming picture book about chasing your dreams, celebrating your differences and twirling to your own rhythm. Meet Rita, a big bear with an even bigger dream! Rita is a talented, passionate, hard-working ballerina. And she's top of her class! But when she studies her ballet magazines, and compares herself to her friends, she realises - she's the wrong shape! Can Rita find her inner power and confidence in her beautiful big-bear body? With lyrical text from Stephanie Stansbie and soft, magical illustrations from debut talent Wendy Warren, The Bear Who Wanted to Dance is a beautiful picture book about self-acceptance, body positivity, representation, and - of course - dancing! Perfect for sharing with fans of Brontorina by James Howe and Randy Cecil, Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, and Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

This uplifting story will strike a chord with any child who has ever felt out of place or like they didn't quite fit the mould.

Illustrated by:Wendy J Warren
Format:Paperback / softback 32 pages
Publisher:Little Tiger Press Group
Imprint:Little Tiger
ISBN:9781801048569
Published:6 Aug 2026
Classifications:Picture storybooks
Weight:250g