Skip to main content

Bear Cub Chalet by Allesia Trunfio

“In the far corners of earth,” Rahul Pandhe writes, “there is a deep, dark forest with tall, majestic granite mountains.” His words paint a tranquil picture of a place that many of us know and love: Yosemite National Park, nearly 1,200 square miles of pristine, open wilderness. But this serene landscape is not without its dangers.

Thus begins Bear Cub Chalet (Gatekeeper Press), a delightful children’s book that encourages children to safely engage with the natural world around them. With lovable characters, a nail-biting storyline and Allesia Trunfio’s dazzling illustrations, this tale will engage young readers and help them see the grandeur of America’s national parks. The book is a perfect companion while on camping trips at a cabin with your little children.

ONE BRAVE BEAR CUB

On the edge of Yosemite valley’s forest lives Kuma, a curious little bear cub. Alongside his family, he spends his days catching fish in the nearby creek. Kuma would love to go exploring in the forest — or even better, on the nearby mountains that touch the sky — but his mother has cautioned him against it. At such high elevation, weather can turn stormy with little warning, leaving anyone up there at the mercy of the elements.

Of course, it’s a beautiful sunny day when Kuma’s parents leave him and his big brother while they go gather food. While his brother plays with a friend, Kuma takes the opportunity to go exploring in the forest. But when a sudden storm hits, Kuma will have to use his smarts and survival instincts to stay safe and reunite with his parents.

RESPECTING AND APPRECIATING NATURE

While young readers may not be so cognizant, parents reading Bear Cub Chalet will certainly recognize the important survival skills that Pandhe weaves into the story. From Kuma’s shelter to his stockpile of extra fish, as well as vital information about staying clear of trees during a lightning storm — all of it is packaged into a charming story that young readers will enjoy, all while absorbing the information. It’s an effective way of teaching children how to stay safe outdoors while being curious and, of course, to listen to their parents.

But that’s not the only lesson the author wishes to impart. In the story’s preface, Pandhe shares that the inspiration for Bear Cub Chalet came to him while he was at Yosemite. When a heavy snowstorm kept him and his family inside their cabin, he spun a story for his two boys about a bear cub dealing with a similar situation. That memorable trip gave him a new appreciation for the wildlife of the national parks, along with the knowledge that such beautiful areas can turn deadly without the right information.

Bear Cub Chalet is a multifaceted story that succeeds in every area it covers. Its engaging storyline and illustrations speak to younger audiences, while its crucial wilderness advice can help put parents’ minds at ease. Readers of every age will enjoy this celebration of the natural world, and the importance of respecting the landscape.

The author is offering a 45% deal compared to Amazon’s price — for a bundle of 10 high-quality paperback copies, customers will only pay $80 plus shipping within US mainland states. The bundle is a perfect birthday return gift for kids and great for educators looking to expand their library. The offer ends on December 31st, so make sure to check out Rahul Pandhe’s website.

About Rahul Pandhe:

A Software Professional living in Pleasanton, California, Rahul Pandhe has a passion for hiking and camping and soaking up all of nature’s beauty. He and his family take regular trips to national parks to learn about nature, and this story was actually born from one such vacation in Yosemite National Park, in which they were snowed in their cabin and had to make up stories for entertainment! He hopes Bear Club Chalet will foster a love of nature in young children, just as it did in his own two sons.
Bear Cub Chalet by Allesia Trunfio
Author: Allesia Trunfio
Cameron Kimball

Cameron Kimball is an illustrator, graphic artist and writer. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Communications Design and a minor in Art History. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and the Society of Illustrators. Cameron lives in Connecticut and when she’s not writing or drawing, she can be found in a café drinking tea and listening to Celtic folk music. For more of her work, visit her website at https://cameronkimball.myportfolio.com/

Leave a Reply