Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
"An example of environmental stewardship in action ... gentle, appealingly straightforward narration sets a steady pace that reflects the story’s theme of patience ... Understated and charming."—Kirkus Reviews
A stunning glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the Oroqen people from the beloved creators of The Moose of Ewenki.
A marvelous story about Aya, a young girl whose grandfather lives a traditional life in the mountains of northern China. He has introduced her to all the animals and plants of their region and the way of life of the Oroqen people. One morning, Aya’s grandfather tells her that he will take her deep into the forest to see bears—something she has dreamed of for a long time. So off they ride, very quietly, through the fall woods.
Filled with stunning illustrations, Aya Has Never Seen a Bear is a beautiful introduction to one of the traditional peoples of China.
An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids
Price: $20.95
Pages: 64
Publisher: Greystone Books
Imprint: Greystone Kids
Series: Aldana Libros
Publication Date:
17 March 2026
ISBN: 9781778403071
Format: eBook
BISACs:
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Bears, Children’s picture books, JUVENILE FICTION / Places / Asia, JUVENILE FICTION / Indigenous / General, JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Grandparents, JUVENILE FICTION / Science & Nature / General, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Bears, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Nature & animal stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family & home stories
"A beautiful introduction to one of the traditional peoples of China and a fun read from cover to cover... Unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 6-8."
—Midwest Book Review
“Stunningly illustrated...especially interesting as it shows just how vast and diverse other lands and countries are as well as showing the similarities formed around specific habitats, in this case boreal forests. The book is simply but beautifully written and the illustrations are exquisite, a true joy to peruse...an excellent choice...to add to units studying other countries, to show the diversity they encompass...to use in nature study or in talking about how we care for the earth.”
—Flying Off My Bookshelf
"Lyrical words and soft, delicate illustrations vividly bring the landscape to life... This educational, calming story inspires deep respect for nature and all who inhabit it. A fitting story for readers who enjoy the works of Oliver Jeffers and Nicola I. Campbell."
—Booklist
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"An example of environmental stewardship in action ... gentle, appealingly straightforward narration sets a steady pace that reflects the story’s theme of patience ... Understated and charming."
—Kirkus Reviews
Gerelchimeg Blackcrane is an award-winning Chinese Mongolian writer of natural literature and a breeder and trainer of native Chinese mastiffs. He has published many novels, including Black Flame, Ghost Dog, Black Dog Haranohai, Wolverine River, Blood Colt, Smoke from Wolf Valley, and Six Seasons of Reindeer. He has collaborated with Jiu’er on picture books, including The Moose of Ewenki, another story of a traditional people of Inner Mongolia, also published by Aldana Libros. His works have been translated into more than ten languages and sold internationally, exported abroad, with a wide readership of children and adults. He currently lives in the Hulunbuir grassland in Inner Mongolia.
Jiu’er is an award-winning sculptor and picture book writer and the first female Chinese artist to be featured in the Honor List of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). She lives in Beijing, China, along with her Mongolian hunting dog, whose name is Huhe.