Bear to the Rescue
By: Romane Cristescu, Nic Gill Illustrated by: Sylvia Morris
The story of koala detection dog Bear, and how a dog who was 'too much' found his purpose.
Bear is full of energy, which can lead to trouble – until he finds his perfect role as a detection dog! + Full description
When deadly bushfires sweep through the forest, Bear and his team must act fast. Will Bear be able to find and help save the wild koalas? Follow the true story of Bear as he finds his purpose for important conservation work.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
- Short descriptionReviews
"The lively illustrations capture Bear’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for life – and his new job. I love Bear and the message this book brings."
Jane Stephens, Good Reading Magazine, November 2025
"Author Romane Cristescu worked with Bear and has told his unique story in an appealing and beautifully illustrated picture book. The colourful and engaging full page illustrations and the perfectly positioned text allow readers to relate to the story and appreciate how Bear became a hero."
Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus, 13 October 2025
"Beautifully illustrated by Sylvia Morris with expressive animal and human characters, Bear to the Rescue tells the story of an under-utilised, under-valued underdog who finds his place in the world."
Aleesah Darlison, Little Darlings (Facebook), 19 November 2025
"This is a rare story of happiness and hope that has emerged from that dreadful summer that caused such heartbreak and horror."
Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf, 5 October 2025
"[T]he book balances warmth and accessibility with being distinctly real and informative. The story arc is one that leads kids gently from suburban homes and pets to the more intense worlds of research teams, natural disaster and animal rescue."
Dr. Isaac Kerr, Royal Society of South Australia Newsletter, October 2025
"Stunning illustrations and perfect end papers complement the strong messages concerning working dogs that the book incorporates. Too good to miss!"
Anastasia Gonis, Kids' Book Review, 8 December 2025
Details
Hardback | October 2025 | $ 26.99ISBN: 9781486314904 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations
ePDF | October 2025
ISBN: 9781486314911
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | October 2025
ISBN: 9781486321230
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Features
- Follows Bear’s journey from being a challenging pet to a valued conservation detection dog.
- A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a successful conservation dog team.
- Explores the importance of koala conservation work.
- Highlights the cost of bushfires on humans, animals and our environment.
- Celebrates the joy of finding your purpose.
Contents
Main storyThe story of Bear (by Romane, one of Bear’s humans)
Bear and koala facts
Did you know?
Authors
Dr Romane Cristescu trained as a vet before studying koala genetics. She is the Director of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Detection Dogs for Conservation, and the trainer/handler/manager of dogs, including Bear, who specialise in finding animals and their poo. She is also the co-author of Poo, Spew and Other Gross Things Animals Do!.
Nic Gill loves to share stories about nature, humans and other animals. After meeting Romane and her dogs, she was so impressed that she became a conservation dog handler herself, and now works with her detection dogs in the Tasmanian wilds. She is also the author of Animal Eco-Warriors and co-author of Poo, Spew and Other Gross Things Animals Do!.
Sylvia Morris is an illustrator and science enthusiast. She loves illustrating picture books because it combines two of her favourite activities: reading and problem solving. She is also the illustrator of The Great Shark Egg Case Hunt and The Opal Dinosaur.
For Teachers
We have created these Teacher Notes as a free PDF download to support the use of this book in the classroom.
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