top of page

Alaska Books for Kids

Through engaging stories and beautiful illustrations, children discover brown bears, salmon runs, Brooks Falls, wilderness ecosystems and the incredible wildlife that make Alaska one of the world's most remarkable places.

Discover children's books inspired by the wild beauty of Alaska and the famous bears of Katmai National Park. From Grazer (128), the legendary Fat Bear Week champion, to Jolly (335), a curious young bear cub, these stories help children connect with wildlife, adventure and conservation.

The Adventures of Jolly, the Alaskan Bear Cub: Discover Alaska’s Katmai National Park, Brooks Falls, and the Famous Salmon Run with a Curious Bear Cub

Jolly eBook-cover.jpg

Discover the magic of Alaska’s Katmai National Park through the eyes of a curious and determined spring cub in Adventures of Jolly, the Alaskan Bear Cub. It is a beautifully watercolor illustrated picture book inspired by the real bear known as Jolly (Bear 335). One bright spring morning on Snowy Mountain, little Jolly wakes up full of energy but her mother, Holly (Bear 435), still needs “five more minutes.” Bored and bursting with excitement, Jolly sets out to explore her icy world. From tumbling through deep snow to meeting squirrels, dodging prickly porcupines, and learning to be patient while Mom fishes for salmon, Jolly discovers that growing up isn’t always easy or "fun". This heartfelt story also gently mirrors the real experiences of young children who are learning to make new friends whether at the playground, at daycare, or as they begin school. Just like Jolly, little readers discover that making friends can feel uncertain at times, but with courage, kindness, and a little patience, they can find their place too. Jolly’s journey leads her all the way to the iconic Brooks Falls, where she meets other playful cubs who welcome her just as she is. At last, Jolly feels like she belongs. Perfect for young nature lovers, animal fans, classrooms, and adventurous families, this heartwarming story blends engaging storytelling with fascinating real-life bear facts inspired by the wild brown bears of Katmai including those seen on the Explore.org bear cams. Features & Benefits: Heartwarming themes of friendship, bravery, and resilience inspired by Jolly’s real-life journey Based on true bears of Katmai National Park, including Holly (Bear 435) and Jolly (Bear 335) Educational wildlife facts woven naturally into the story, ideal for STEM and nature-based learning Promotes emotional intelligence, female role models, and self-confidence Beautiful hand‑drawn watercolor illustrations that capture the wonder of Alaska’s wilderness Introduces young readers to Brooks Falls, the salmon run, and brown bear behavior in a fun, accessible way Encourages wildlife exploration through the Explore.org live bear cams Includes links to free activity sheets, coloring pages, and printables Perfect for classroom read‑alouds, bedtime stories, homeschool learning, and national‑park‑loving families Great gift for park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to share the magic of Alaska. Let Jolly encourage your child to be curious, stay kind, and make new friends with confidence even when it feels a little scary.

Read More

Little Grazer, Big Dreams: An Alaskan Bear Story: Meet Bear 128: The Real-Life Katmai Legend and Fat Bear Week Champion

eBook-cover_edited.jpg

Little Grazer, Big Dreams is a heartwarming blend of fiction and real-world adventure that follows a spirited bear cub growing up in the wilds of Alaska’s Katmai National Park, one of North America’s most remote and breathtaking national parks. Born the smallest of three, Grazer must learn to survive, stand her ground, and find her place among the mighty bears of Brooks Falls, where salmon leap and dominance rules the river. Along the way, she meets unforgettable animal characters including her wise mother Crooked Claw and the legendary elder bear Otis each helping shape her journey from timid cub to fearless leader. Inspired by the true story of Bear 128, Grazer, Fat Bear Week champion and devoted mother, this beautifully hand-drawn water color illustrated tale celebrates female strength, resilience, and the power of carving your own path. Grazer’s story shows young readers that you don’t have to be the biggest to be brave and that true leadership comes from heart, not size. Whether you're a parent, educator, or nature lover, this book is a perfect gift for anyone who has visited Katmai National Park or dreams of it and wants to bring the magic of Alaska’s bears home to their loved ones. Features & Benefits: Story themes of bravery, resilience, and carving your own path Inspired by Bear 128—Katmai’s iconic sow and Fat Bear Week champion Introduces real animal characters like Crooked Claw, Otis, and Grazer’s cubs Teaches about Alaska’s remote Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls Encourages wildlife observation through live bear cams at Explore.org Ideal for classroom reading, bedtime, and nature-loving families Supports STEM learning, environmental awareness, and conservation values Hand-drawn nature-inspired illustrations capturing Alaska’s wild beauty Links to free activity sheets, coloring pages, and printable resources Promotes emotional intelligence, female role models, and self-confidence Perfect gift for park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to share the magic of Alaska. Let Grazer inspire your child to explore the wild, believe in themselves, and stand tall - no matter how small they start.

Read More

What Is Fat Bear Week?

​Fat Bear Week celebrates the incredible brown bears of Katmai National Park as they prepare for winter hibernation. Visitors from around the world follow famous bears like Grazer and watch them fish for salmon at Brooks Falls.

Katmai Stories logo
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

© 2024 by Katmai Stories, LLC. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page