What happens when a spring bear hunt leads not to victory-but to brotherhood in the wild forests of Juneau?
Blue Ribbon Winner of the South East Alaska State Fair, 2025
At sunrise in Juneau, Alaska, the annual Spring Bear Hunt begins with ceremony, blessings, and the weight of tradition. This year, Bear Bait is no longer a child running behind his grandfather-he is now a hunter. The forest awaits, the crowd expects victory, and winter provisions depend on success. A sweet spring bear means food, warmth, and honor.
Deep in the wild blueberry patch and beneath towering spruce trees, Bear Bait finally finds his prize. But instead of a fierce beast, he encounters something entirely unexpected-a playful, flower-sniffing, somersaulting cub. The Little Funny Bear doesn't charge. He dances. He doesn't threaten. He laughs in his own way. And in a powerful moment that tests everything he has been taught, Bear Bait must choose between pulling back his bow... or listening to his heart.
With the Huntress beside him and the weight of generations watching, Bear Bait makes a decision that transforms him from hunter to protector. He returns home not with a trophy, but with something far more meaningful-a Bear Brother. The village laughs, the elders understand, and a new story is born-one that will be told long after the hunt ends.
Set against the breathtaking landscape of Alaska and enriched with Tlingit language and cultural reverence, Little Funny Bear is a touching story of courage, identity, and compassion. Perfect for readers who love heartfelt animal stories, coming-of-age journeys, and tales that celebrate respect for nature and family.
Because sometimes the bravest thing a hunter can do... is lower his bow.
Lamarr, Rie: - Rie Lamarr is from Los Angeles, California, a native Angeleno. Being a comedic actor and having a passion for adventure, she traveled up-coast, leaving Hollywood behind for the last frontier, Alaska. Rie LaMarr is a Gem Institute of America graduate, GIA. So off to work she went. Her first Alaskan Port was Skagway. Skagway is a gold rush mecca. There, Rie would sell diamonds and gold. This would be the beginning of the rest Of Rie's life! Rie LaMarr would be so inspired by Alaska she would go on to write about it. Rie is a graduate of Santa Barbara community college where she is a volunteer TESOL English tutor. Rie is a world traveler and storyteller. One dream changed it all. It's One Whale of a Tale, is one woman's inspirational journey on the last Frontier through the eyes of children and a dream. Let your heart soar, fly by bush plane, escape the cold water, volcanoes, and tidal waves. Ride on the tail of a killer whale through a ruby wind. Eat chocolate blueberry creams with Grizzlies. Soar high into the sky with a baby eagle, and hold an eagle feather close to your heart forever. Maybe even trim your tail in gold, and laugh out loud. It's One Whale of a Tale, is imaginative and original, Where there is a whale there is a way!
