The Bear Who Wanted to Dance

Author: Stansbie, Stephanie

Picture storybooks

Published on 6 August 2026 by Little Tiger Press Group (Little Tiger) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback / softback | 32 pages
245 x 279 x 6 | 250g

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.