Two curious young grizzly bears go on A very long swim, far from their usual home in the Great Bear Rainforest. They crunch tart red cranberries in the bog then dig for crabs on the beach. They wander through backyards and feast on plums. Then they sniff something even more delicious—mmm, barbecued salmon. But a village full of people is no place for grizzly bears, no matter how sweet the plums or how tasty that salmon smells. Time for a helicopter ride home!

The Great Grizzlies Go Home tells the story of the bears’ adventurous journey, ending in their safe relocation back to the mainland. Featuring detailed watercolour paintings, engaging text and a concluding section with bear safety tips, the book will capture the imagination of readers young and old.

Judy Hilgemann has been an artist and illustrator all her life. She has illustrated several books, including B is for Basketball, which was the official book of the 2011All Native Basketball Tournament and was shortlisted for the First Nations Communities READ program for 2014–2015. She is a member of the Island Illustrator’s Society and Federation of Canadian Artists. She lives in Queen Charlotte, BC.

Judy Hilgemann's profile page

“Based on a real event, this simple story calls attention to the increased presence of bears in urban settings; inclusion of useful facts on grizzlies, bear encounters, and safety tips for avoiding bears when hiking and camping spurs reader awareness. Luminous, realistic, colorful illustrations capture the splendor of coastal British Columbia, adding geographic, cultural, and naturalistic context as well as revealing the grizzlies as calm, curious, hungry visitors simply enjoying their holiday away from home. Great bear encounter.”

<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>

“Judy Hilgemann has illustrated a beautiful story that tells of the challenges grizzly bears and our communities face as we learn to coexist and be more respectful of the natural world.”

Michael J. Audain, OC OBC, Founder, Grizzly Bear Foundation

“The author has presented the setting in appealing watercolor paintings that show the townsite of Alert Bay, its harbor and the wild lands that surround it in fine detail…What comes across so well is the acceptance of bears as a natural part of life in a human settlement in bear country. The facts and safety tips reinforce this attitude toward a fascinating west coast animal. Highly Recommended.”

<i>CM: Canadian Materials</i>

“What an important story! In a time when bears are compelled to come closer to towns, the role of conservation officers and the important jobs they do need to be told. With lovely art and chock full of wonderful facts, this tale teaches and entertains!”

Robert Budd, Co-author, Northwest Coast Legends series

“With heartwarming illustrations alongside a grizzly-bear-sized adventure, The Great Grizzlies Go Home is a true story of two sibling bears that went on a roller coaster of an island-hopping journey through the Great Bear Rainforest.”

Ian McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild