The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure
Written by David Michael Slater
Illustrated by S.G. Brooks
Written by David Michael Slater
Illustrated by S.G. Brooks
Awards and Reviews
A Society of School Librarians International Honor Book 2004, in the Language Arts Picture Book category.
From Uncle Orson Reviews Everything by Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author of Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
Even though my youngest is really too old for picture books, I still can't resist them. Recently I picked up The Ring Bear, written
by David Michael Slater and illustrated by S.G. Brooks.
In the story, a young boy plays pirates with his mother, wearing eyepatches and going under the noms de guerre "Westley the
Wicked" and "Mom the Mean." Mom's friend Stan doesn't play -- he won't wear the eyepatch. He enjoys watching their
imaginative life, but it's something they share between themselves.
Then Stan and Mom decide to get married, and when they ask Westley to be the ring bearer, he misunderstands and thinks of
himself as the Ring Bear. As a bear, he can show his anger at Stan's intrusion, and he is fully prepared to devour the ring rather than
carry it up to Mom and Stan.
This is a sweet, charming, funny, tender book. The art is warm and witty, the writing understated and, precisely because it isn't
maudlin, it brought a tear to my eye. It's not a "problem" story, to be trotted out when a kid's mother is about to remarry. It's a
story any kid could enjoy, treating the remarriage issue as the simple fact of family life that it so commonly is.
From the Grand Rapids Press
Independent publisher, Flashlight Press, is devoted to exploring “the touching and humorous moments of family interactions and
social situations.” While I can be leery about books that discuss issues, I found titles in this catalog that addressed very particular
moments in a child’s life, moments where a book would be most helpful. A book that tackled a unique subject is “The Ring Bear”
by David Michael Slater. In this story, Westley and his mom are a perfect pair until Stan enters mom’s life .Young Westley works
out his feelings by acting out, especially at the wedding where he decides to be a ring bear instead of a bearer. Though Mom does
her best to soothe Westley, Stan is the one who must, by his actions, let Westley know that they are creating a family. - Sue
Stauffacher
From Great Books for Kids on Suite101.com
****Highly Recommended
Mom and Westley are a couple of deck swabbing, treasure hunting pirates - the most dreaded pair of pirates on the seven seas.
Then, one day Mom tells Westley that she and Stan, a man who sometimes comes on board ship, are getting married.
Mom explains that she and Stan want him to be the ring bearer at the wedding. Westley thinks that Mom wants him to be a Ring
Bear. He's upset and confused. He doesn't want Stan to be part of the pirate crew. Instead of becoming a "Ring Bear," Westley
decides to become a real bear and wreak havoc on the wedding.
Humorous illustrations show the pirate team in action, Westley acting like a bear, and Westley hiding in his room that's been turned
into a bear den.
In the end, Westley resolves his confusion over Mom's marriage with the help of - you guessed it - Mom and Stan.
Be sure to read this delightful tale to find out how Westley comes to grips with his new family situation. David Michael Slater's
snappy dialogue and S.G. Brooks beautiful life-like illustrations are a great combination. This book is a must-read for all kids and
adults who are struggling with the reality of bringing a new spouse and step-parent into the home.
- Mary M. Alward
From Eclectic Homeschool Online Magazine
This 32-page hardcover with full-color dust jacket tells in child-friendly language a story of the very grown-up issue of blending
families. "Cool" Language Arts teacher David Michael Slater and "Smokey the Bear" illustrator S.G. Brooks bring to life The Ring
Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure. "Westley the Wicked" has a great imagination and loads of fun pretending that he and his
"Mom the Mean" are pirates. But what's this? Mom's friend, Stan, wants to join the crew? Permanently? Westley doesn't want a
stepfather, so when Mom asks him to be their ring bearer, he decides instead to be the ring bear. Will the ferocious bear ruin the
plans? Can Stan find a way to win Westley's friendship? Will Mom be able to convince her son of her great love for him?
- Deborah Deggs Cariker
From OC (Orange County) Family
Westley and his mom form the perfect duo, he thinks. He doesn't want a stepfather, but when Westley's mom announces her plans
to marry her friend Stan, Westley realizes that there a big changes coming up. In his anger, Westley misunderstands his role at the
wedding, and imagines he will be the ring bear, not bearer, wreaking havoc on all. This book can help children explore the
emotions, good and bad, that inevitably come with the blending of families. The store is sensitively told, and the pictures, rendered
in gouache, acrylic and black pencil, are kid-friendly. - Craig Reem
From Georgia Family
Westley has a terrific imagination and loves playing pirate with his single mom until one day Westley learns that the house's frequent
visitor, Stan, wants to marry his mom. Asked to be the ring bearer, Westley finds himself not only confused about the definition of
the word but also about his feelings regarding the wedding. Westley decides to be a bear rather than a bearer until he finds out
what a cool guy Stan is.
Charlotte Parent
Just in time for the wedding season comes this delightful tale. Westley struggles with the intrusion of an unwanted new stepdad into
the happy, comfortable family he and his mother have formed. When Westley's mother announces her engagement to Stan and
asks Westley to be the "ring bear," he feels confused, frustrated and anxious about his changing family situation and his role in the
wedding ceremony.
From the Beaverton Valley Times
An article about author David Michael Slater and his dual career
as both a teacher and writer, by Victoria Blake.
From The Oregonian
An article entitled Moonlighting with Manuscripts, about David, the
author/teacher, by David R. Anderson.
From The Washington Parent
Westley and his mother make a fine pair of rascally pirates in The Ring Bear, but the boy refuses to give his mom's friend, Stan, a
pirate name or much of a role in their make-believe game. When Mom and Stan decide to marry, they ask Westley to be their ring
bearer. The boy, saddened by the changes in his family, decides he will be a Ring Bear instead and "growl at the guests" and
"swallow the cake down in one beary bite." With humor and compassion, author David Michael Slater gets at the heart of the
child's worry and anger: What will be his place in this blended family? The ending proves satisfying without being sentimental. Stan
dons a pirate patch along with his wedding tuxedo, and Westley banishes the Ring Bear in favor of captaining the "most terrible trio
of pirates on the seven seas." Through his expressive line, Washington illustrator S. G. Brooks (known for his depictions of
Smokey the Bear) brings to life the kindly Stan, playful and pugnacious Westley and spirited Mom, who regards her two favorite
guys with a twinkly eye. - Mary Quattlebaum
From the Akron Beacon Journal
Visual sugarplums: Children's picture books yield surprising first-rate art. Images are sure to dance in your head.
Children's books overflow with excellent art. If you're an art lover, perhaps you've traveled the country visiting museums and
galleries in search of wonderful pieces of work. Maybe you've pored over magazines and thick volumes to feed your thirst for
beauty. If so, consider a stop at the library or a bookstore. Bypass the books for adults and go directly to the children's
department. You may be overjoyed with what you discover.
While youngsters love grown-ups to read and reread their favorite books, it's not always the words that are the most mesmerizing.
Many children's picture books are packed with glorious artwork.
Among the hundreds of books we receive for review at the paper, it's always the picture books that surprise me the most. Even if
the author doesn't spin a prize-winning tale, the illustrations can be terrific.
The following are examples of new books with superior artwork. They are all hardbacks with adorable stories. These are the type
of books that after your child has outgrown them, you stick on the shelf as a keepsake. The illustrations in these little treasures will
keep you, and your pint-sized art lover, lingering on each page.
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure by David Michael Slater stars Westley, a little boy who misunderstands his mother
when she asks him to be a ring bearer at her wedding. Instead, Westley thinks she wants him to be a bear. Upset, he decides to
transform into a make-believe beast and cause havoc. S.G. Brooks' artwork is remarkable. The facial expressions, especially of
the guests attending the wedding, are wonderfully amusing. Brooks is best known as one of the illustrators of Smokey the Bear.
- Kim Hone-McMahan
From Betty Dravis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
This highly original book by author David Michael Slater is a fascinating picture book that enthralled me from cover to cover,
even as it captivated children all around the world. Published by Flashlight Press, one of my favorite children's publishing houses,
the book is geared for children ages 4-8, a category I love to read.
The Ring Bear has a little bit of everything: love, joy, anger, fear, family unity, humor, adventure and much more. It deals with
the serious subject of parental remarriage. The main character is a young boy named Westley who is used to his mother being a
single parent and has adjusted to life without a father. His world is turned upside down when she decides to remarry.
In order to help her son with his objection to the marriage and assuage his anger and fear, his mother tells him he's going to be
the ring bearer at the wedding--hoping this will make him feel more secure. Westley thinks she said "ring bear," so he comes to the
wedding dressed as a bear and tries to scare everyone away.
That's when the problems--and the fun--begin. What happens then? How do the wedding guests react? How do his mother
and Stan, his future stepfather, take it? Is there a happy solution to this problem, a situation that sadly happens more and more
often in today's world? If so, how does it happen? Will the troubled boy finally come to realize how much his mother loves him and
learn to trust her? And what does Stan do to break the ice with Westley?
Obviously, I can't tell you any more without spoiling the plot, but I can tell you that despite the serious theme, this is a book that
has many giggles for you and your little ones. It's a warm-hearted book that will tug at your heart-strings ... as you cry one minute,
laugh the next.
Slater makes his characters so believable you will feel like you are there with them, and no one will be able to forget the
mischievous, yet endearing Westley. The colorful, charming illustrations by talented artist S. G. Brooks enhance the story-line,
helping bring it even more alive.
This unusual wedding adventure is a touching book which will be helpful for children whose parents are remarrying. I
recommend it highly. If you feel the same, look for Grandfather's Wrinkles, Grandpa for Sale, and Carla's Sandwich ... other
releases by this same popular publisher whose editor has the uncanny ability to know what children enjoy reading.
From Large Print Reviews.com
Westley the Wicked and his mom, Mom the Mean, have great fun together. They like to play pirate, and have a grand time
talking and acting like pirates and transforming Westley's bedroom into a pirate's lair. The only problem they have comes in the
form of Stan, mom's boyfriend. Stan isn't one for playing games and he refuses to wear an eye patch or search for treasure. When
mom and Stan decide to get married, and Westley's mom asks him to be the ring bearer at her upcoming wedding to Stan, things
take a turn for the worse. Westley thinks that she has asked him to become a ring BEARrrrr, and if she really wants him to become
a bear, he'll do it - but he is determined to be the most rascally bear ever. As the wedding approaches, Westley becomes more
and more bear-like, and more set in his notion that destroying the wedding might be a good idea. Is there anything that can turn
Westley back into boy? The answer is yes, and it falls upon Stan to find the means of turning Westley back into a boy.
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure was written by David Michael Slater and the story is accompanied by quirky
illustrations by S. G. Brooks. These illustrations graphically illustrate Westley transformation into a bear, and back again into a boy.
This delightful children's picture story book explores the problem of how to merge a new family member into an already tight family
group, as well as the issues of jealousy and frustration that a child can feel in such a situation. All this is done in a short thirty-two
pages, and it is done without ever mentioning any of these problems. At the same time, Slater presents a captivating story that will
delight young and old readers alike.
Written for readers ages 4-8, this is an Accelerated Reader book, and a Society of School Librarians International (SSLI)
Honor Book for 2004. In addition, The Ring Bear is printed in a large print type face that makes it easier for new readers to more
easily identify each word, and which provides welcome relief for those who desire or need a large print text to read aloud to their
rascally bear! The Ring Bear is a charming book filled with pictures that perfectly complement the story. - Auggie Moore
From Family Times Inc.com
Westley doesn’t want a stepfather, but when Westley’s mom announces her plans to wed Stan, he suddenly realizes Stan’s
permanence in his family. In his anger and pain, Westley misunderstands his new role for the big day and imagines he’ll be the ring
bear, not the ring bearer, wreaking havoc on all.
As recent statistics indicate, one out of three Americans are now members of a blended family with many young children and
parents finding themselves in challenging familial roles. The Ring Bear is a charming and tender tale of one child’s struggle growing
into a blended family, giving voice to his confusion and a family’s complicated new changes and emotions. The book opens the
door for parents and children to speak with each other about their own evolving families.
From Your Stepfamily Magazine, May/June 2004 issue
The story addresses common stepfamily issues when there is a remarriage with children - especially with younger children - and
offers an imaginative and sensitive solution. It was a pleasure reading this - the text and the illustrations are both lively, and work
well together - as a successful illustrated book should!
The Ring Bear creatively explores children's complex emotions during the making of a stepfamily. On his imaginary pirate ship,
Westley and his mom formed the perfect duo. He was the captain and she was his first mate. Stan, his mom's new friend, however,
is not allowed aboard the adventure ship, except as a guest. But what happens when Westley's mom decides to marry Stan, and
make him a permanent member of the crew?
Westly doesn't want a stepfather, but when Westley's mom announces her plans to wed Stan, he suddenly realizes Stan's
permanence in the family. In his anger and pain, Westley misunderstands his new role for the big day and imagines he'll be the ring
bear, not the ring bearer, wreaking havoc on all.
Using his powerful imagination, Westley escape the pressures he feels by turning himself in to a bear with fur and claws and
creating a bear cave where he plots and plans how he'll scare away everyone at the wedding. "Young children," says the Slater,"
who are involved in a stepfamily, will see themselves in Westley, finding reassurance that they are not alone." His mother is worried
about him, but doesn't know how to make Westley believe he is loved and an important part of the new family.
On the day of the wedding, Westley's feelings are even more conflicted, and he feels detached from what is going on around him.
The ceremony, however, brings a wonderful surprise from Stan who, recognizing Westley's great imagination, offers him a surprise
fit for a pirate. Westley then allows Stan into his life and creates a special place for him aboard his make-believe pirate ship, and in
his family. - Karen D. Adolphson, Editor
From MyShelf.com
Westley is a very imaginative youngster. He spends his days pretending to be “Westley the Wicked, Pirate King Extraordinaire.”
His mom goes along with his play, calling herself, “Mom the Mean.” When Mom’s friend, Stan, tries to join the fun, Westley is not
happy.
One day, Mom explains to Westley that she and Stan want to be married and they would like him to be their ring bearer. Westley
is not happy about this and expresses his fears by changing into a bear—misinterpreting his mom’s request for a “ring bearer.” He
loves his mom, but isn’t sure if Stan loves him and has doubts about the three of them as a family. The way in which Stan affirms his
affection for Westley is truly touching.
This story is clever in dealing with children who have vivid imaginations, but could have shown a bit more communication between
adults and child. The illustrations were excellent from an adult viewpoint, but a few might prove to be scary to children. When used
to help a child deal with the marriage of a parent, this story should be accompanied with a lot of talk and open communication. -
Allie Bates
From The Writer's Room.com
Many times children find themselves on an emotional roller coaster ride when a new step-parent joins the family. This story deals
with just that and the adorable illustrations on each page make this appealing even to children who have not yet learned how to
read. - Skye Lindborg
From The Midwest Book Review
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure is a children's picturebook that deals with a serious theme. A young boy is used to
living with just his mother; he doesn't want a stepfather, yet she is getting married and anxious to show him that he will always be a
beloved member of the new blended family. He is to be the ring bearer, but he hears it as "ring bear" and decides to dress up as a
bear to scare everyone away! The captivating illustrations by S. G. Brooks tell of the struggle to bridge rifts of fear and mistrust
with enduring love, in this original, warmhearted, and highly recommended story by David Michael Slater.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Ring Bear should be saved for after The Big Event. No need to plant seeds for this kind of attitude before a real-life wedding.
Here, the ring bearer turns into a grouchy bear when his mom and her boyfriend tell him they're getting married. He and his mom
have always played pirates together. Now this newcomer is horning in. What to do, besides scuttle your pirate-ship room, turn it
into a bear cave, and spend your time dreaming up ways to spoil the upcoming ceremony?
Luckily, a few wise words from the bride make the growling ring bear turn into a pleasant ring bearer as he walks down the aisle.
Disaster's averted in this picture book, which could be useful for youngsters unsure about a new stepparent.
- Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy
From Looking Glass Review
Westley and his mother are great friends and furthermore they are the “most dreaded pair of pirates on the seven seas.” Together
Westley the Wicked and Mom the Mean have great fun and Westley is even willing to let Mom’s friend Stan on board. Mind you
Stan doesn’t get into the proper swing of things as he refuses to put on the obligatory eye patch.
This happy state of affairs suddenly changes when Mom tells Westley that she and Stan are going to get married and they would
like him to be their ring bearer. Hurt and confused Westley thinks that they want him to be a “ring bearrrr” and he then and there
decides that if he has to be a bear he is going to be “a rascally one.”
After this momentous decision is made, poor Westley hides in his “cave” all the time planning all sorts of rascally ways in which he
can spoil the wedding. It is as if the angry bear of Westley’s imagination takes over and the boy Westley is pushed to one side. Will
Mom and her Stan be able to convince the bear to go away without ruining the wedding celebration, and will Westley the boy be
able to accept Stan as his mother’s new husband?
Sensitively created, this picture book does a masterful job in showing us how confused a small child can become when his or her
home life is changed in any way. Confronted with the idea of his mother’s marriage to Stan, Westley wonders if his mother still
wants him and also if Stan wants him. The shifts that Westley makes between his imaginary personalities and his real self not only
show us how powerful the imagination can be in a child’s life but it also emphasises Westley’s uncertainty. The boy takes refuge in
an imaginary world when the real world becomes too bewildering and worrying for him. After a while he isn’t quite sure which
world he belongs in.
The illustrations in this unique picture book are full of vibrant and glowing colour and the illustrator’s portrayal of the sad little boy is
both touching and affectionate.
- Marya Jansen-Gruber
From The Flint Journal
An article about artist- illustrator S.G. Brooks, a Flint-area native. Kim Crawford says "Brooks' illustrations bring Westley's
worries - and his vivid imagination to life."
From Children's Literature
Westley the Wicked and Mom the Mean are pretend pirates on the Seven Seas. However, one day, Mom asks Westley to be her
ring bearer in her wedding to Stan. Westley misunderstands. He thinks Mom wants him to be a bear instead of a boy. So, Westley
turns himself into a pretend bear. He pounces. He growls. He turns his room into a cave. Then the day of the wedding arrives.
Mom asks Westley to turn himself into a boy who can carry the ring. But, Westley the bear is not so sure he wants Mom to marry
Stan. After all Stan, would not play the pretend pirate game. Westley the bear begins the long walk down the aisle with ring in
hand. As he walks, his bear suit drops away. His claws fall to the ground. Westley reaches Mom and Stan as himself, a boy with a
ring. This charming, original story will engage readers of all ages. It is a much-needed book for children experiencing parents who
are remarrying. Children will identify immediately with Westley the bear!
- Mindy Hardwick
From Lisa Cohn, award winning author
In "The Ring Bear," ...a single mother and her son, Westley, love to play rascally pirates. Like many single parents and their kids,
it's clear the mom and her son are incredibly close: They've created their own fantasy world about Westley the Wicked and Mom
the Mean.
Enter Stan, Mom's boyfriend, who sometimes comes aboard their ship but refuses to wear an eye patch and doesn't want to
search for stowaways. Westley thinks it's okay if Stan comes on board, as long as he understands he's a visitor, not a real pirate
like Mom and Westley. When Mom tells Westley that she's going to marry Stan and wants him to be the ring bearer at the
wedding, Westley staggers back to his pretend ship. He mistakenly thinks Mom said she wants him to be the "ring bear."
Imaginative Westley assumes the role of Ring Bear and acts out his confused feelings about his mom's marriage. He snatches out of
Stan's hands flowers meant for his mom; he pounces on Stan and Mom when they're watching TV; he hides in his bear cave and
plots ways to wreck the wedding. In this warm and beautifully illustrated book, children get a realistic look at how it feels to have a
parent re-marry. Westley knows his mom loves him; but what about Stan?
Slater, author of Cheese Louise! and a seventh grade language arts teacher, does a great job of engaging both adults and children
with this humorous book. The Ring Bear, like most picture books, ends happily: Stan dons an eye patch during the wedding, then
Mom, Westley and Stan sail off together. While the happy ending may not reflect the cold realities of early stepfamily life, it will
give stepchildren hope about the potential for feeling loved and accepted by a new stepparent. - Lisa Cohn, co-author of One
Family, Two Family, New Family: Stories And Advice For Stepfamilies and of Stepfamily Life Newsletter
From the San Diego Union Tribune
One day, Mom tells Wesley that she and her friend Stan are getting married, and she wants Wesley to be the ring bearer. He hears
it as ring bearrrr and thinks he has to be a bear. He turns his room into a bear cave. He plans how he will be mean and scary to the
guests. Find out what happens on the day of the wedding. - Christine Raynes, Under the Covers
From Uncle Orson Reviews Everything by Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author of Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
Even though my youngest is really too old for picture books, I still can't resist them. Recently I picked up The Ring Bear, written
by David Michael Slater and illustrated by S.G. Brooks.
In the story, a young boy plays pirates with his mother, wearing eyepatches and going under the noms de guerre "Westley the
Wicked" and "Mom the Mean." Mom's friend Stan doesn't play -- he won't wear the eyepatch. He enjoys watching their
imaginative life, but it's something they share between themselves.
Then Stan and Mom decide to get married, and when they ask Westley to be the ring bearer, he misunderstands and thinks of
himself as the Ring Bear. As a bear, he can show his anger at Stan's intrusion, and he is fully prepared to devour the ring rather than
carry it up to Mom and Stan.
This is a sweet, charming, funny, tender book. The art is warm and witty, the writing understated and, precisely because it isn't
maudlin, it brought a tear to my eye. It's not a "problem" story, to be trotted out when a kid's mother is about to remarry. It's a
story any kid could enjoy, treating the remarriage issue as the simple fact of family life that it so commonly is.
From the Grand Rapids Press
Independent publisher, Flashlight Press, is devoted to exploring “the touching and humorous moments of family interactions and
social situations.” While I can be leery about books that discuss issues, I found titles in this catalog that addressed very particular
moments in a child’s life, moments where a book would be most helpful. A book that tackled a unique subject is “The Ring Bear”
by David Michael Slater. In this story, Westley and his mom are a perfect pair until Stan enters mom’s life .Young Westley works
out his feelings by acting out, especially at the wedding where he decides to be a ring bear instead of a bearer. Though Mom does
her best to soothe Westley, Stan is the one who must, by his actions, let Westley know that they are creating a family. - Sue
Stauffacher
From Great Books for Kids on Suite101.com
****Highly Recommended
Mom and Westley are a couple of deck swabbing, treasure hunting pirates - the most dreaded pair of pirates on the seven seas.
Then, one day Mom tells Westley that she and Stan, a man who sometimes comes on board ship, are getting married.
Mom explains that she and Stan want him to be the ring bearer at the wedding. Westley thinks that Mom wants him to be a Ring
Bear. He's upset and confused. He doesn't want Stan to be part of the pirate crew. Instead of becoming a "Ring Bear," Westley
decides to become a real bear and wreak havoc on the wedding.
Humorous illustrations show the pirate team in action, Westley acting like a bear, and Westley hiding in his room that's been turned
into a bear den.
In the end, Westley resolves his confusion over Mom's marriage with the help of - you guessed it - Mom and Stan.
Be sure to read this delightful tale to find out how Westley comes to grips with his new family situation. David Michael Slater's
snappy dialogue and S.G. Brooks beautiful life-like illustrations are a great combination. This book is a must-read for all kids and
adults who are struggling with the reality of bringing a new spouse and step-parent into the home.
- Mary M. Alward
From Eclectic Homeschool Online Magazine
This 32-page hardcover with full-color dust jacket tells in child-friendly language a story of the very grown-up issue of blending
families. "Cool" Language Arts teacher David Michael Slater and "Smokey the Bear" illustrator S.G. Brooks bring to life The Ring
Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure. "Westley the Wicked" has a great imagination and loads of fun pretending that he and his
"Mom the Mean" are pirates. But what's this? Mom's friend, Stan, wants to join the crew? Permanently? Westley doesn't want a
stepfather, so when Mom asks him to be their ring bearer, he decides instead to be the ring bear. Will the ferocious bear ruin the
plans? Can Stan find a way to win Westley's friendship? Will Mom be able to convince her son of her great love for him?
- Deborah Deggs Cariker
From OC (Orange County) Family
Westley and his mom form the perfect duo, he thinks. He doesn't want a stepfather, but when Westley's mom announces her plans
to marry her friend Stan, Westley realizes that there a big changes coming up. In his anger, Westley misunderstands his role at the
wedding, and imagines he will be the ring bear, not bearer, wreaking havoc on all. This book can help children explore the
emotions, good and bad, that inevitably come with the blending of families. The store is sensitively told, and the pictures, rendered
in gouache, acrylic and black pencil, are kid-friendly. - Craig Reem
From Georgia Family
Westley has a terrific imagination and loves playing pirate with his single mom until one day Westley learns that the house's frequent
visitor, Stan, wants to marry his mom. Asked to be the ring bearer, Westley finds himself not only confused about the definition of
the word but also about his feelings regarding the wedding. Westley decides to be a bear rather than a bearer until he finds out
what a cool guy Stan is.
Charlotte Parent
Just in time for the wedding season comes this delightful tale. Westley struggles with the intrusion of an unwanted new stepdad into
the happy, comfortable family he and his mother have formed. When Westley's mother announces her engagement to Stan and
asks Westley to be the "ring bear," he feels confused, frustrated and anxious about his changing family situation and his role in the
wedding ceremony.
From the Beaverton Valley Times
An article about author David Michael Slater and his dual career
as both a teacher and writer, by Victoria Blake.
From The Oregonian
An article entitled Moonlighting with Manuscripts, about David, the
author/teacher, by David R. Anderson.
From The Washington Parent
Westley and his mother make a fine pair of rascally pirates in The Ring Bear, but the boy refuses to give his mom's friend, Stan, a
pirate name or much of a role in their make-believe game. When Mom and Stan decide to marry, they ask Westley to be their ring
bearer. The boy, saddened by the changes in his family, decides he will be a Ring Bear instead and "growl at the guests" and
"swallow the cake down in one beary bite." With humor and compassion, author David Michael Slater gets at the heart of the
child's worry and anger: What will be his place in this blended family? The ending proves satisfying without being sentimental. Stan
dons a pirate patch along with his wedding tuxedo, and Westley banishes the Ring Bear in favor of captaining the "most terrible trio
of pirates on the seven seas." Through his expressive line, Washington illustrator S. G. Brooks (known for his depictions of
Smokey the Bear) brings to life the kindly Stan, playful and pugnacious Westley and spirited Mom, who regards her two favorite
guys with a twinkly eye. - Mary Quattlebaum
From the Akron Beacon Journal
Visual sugarplums: Children's picture books yield surprising first-rate art. Images are sure to dance in your head.
Children's books overflow with excellent art. If you're an art lover, perhaps you've traveled the country visiting museums and
galleries in search of wonderful pieces of work. Maybe you've pored over magazines and thick volumes to feed your thirst for
beauty. If so, consider a stop at the library or a bookstore. Bypass the books for adults and go directly to the children's
department. You may be overjoyed with what you discover.
While youngsters love grown-ups to read and reread their favorite books, it's not always the words that are the most mesmerizing.
Many children's picture books are packed with glorious artwork.
Among the hundreds of books we receive for review at the paper, it's always the picture books that surprise me the most. Even if
the author doesn't spin a prize-winning tale, the illustrations can be terrific.
The following are examples of new books with superior artwork. They are all hardbacks with adorable stories. These are the type
of books that after your child has outgrown them, you stick on the shelf as a keepsake. The illustrations in these little treasures will
keep you, and your pint-sized art lover, lingering on each page.
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure by David Michael Slater stars Westley, a little boy who misunderstands his mother
when she asks him to be a ring bearer at her wedding. Instead, Westley thinks she wants him to be a bear. Upset, he decides to
transform into a make-believe beast and cause havoc. S.G. Brooks' artwork is remarkable. The facial expressions, especially of
the guests attending the wedding, are wonderfully amusing. Brooks is best known as one of the illustrators of Smokey the Bear.
- Kim Hone-McMahan
From Betty Dravis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
This highly original book by author David Michael Slater is a fascinating picture book that enthralled me from cover to cover,
even as it captivated children all around the world. Published by Flashlight Press, one of my favorite children's publishing houses,
the book is geared for children ages 4-8, a category I love to read.
The Ring Bear has a little bit of everything: love, joy, anger, fear, family unity, humor, adventure and much more. It deals with
the serious subject of parental remarriage. The main character is a young boy named Westley who is used to his mother being a
single parent and has adjusted to life without a father. His world is turned upside down when she decides to remarry.
In order to help her son with his objection to the marriage and assuage his anger and fear, his mother tells him he's going to be
the ring bearer at the wedding--hoping this will make him feel more secure. Westley thinks she said "ring bear," so he comes to the
wedding dressed as a bear and tries to scare everyone away.
That's when the problems--and the fun--begin. What happens then? How do the wedding guests react? How do his mother
and Stan, his future stepfather, take it? Is there a happy solution to this problem, a situation that sadly happens more and more
often in today's world? If so, how does it happen? Will the troubled boy finally come to realize how much his mother loves him and
learn to trust her? And what does Stan do to break the ice with Westley?
Obviously, I can't tell you any more without spoiling the plot, but I can tell you that despite the serious theme, this is a book that
has many giggles for you and your little ones. It's a warm-hearted book that will tug at your heart-strings ... as you cry one minute,
laugh the next.
Slater makes his characters so believable you will feel like you are there with them, and no one will be able to forget the
mischievous, yet endearing Westley. The colorful, charming illustrations by talented artist S. G. Brooks enhance the story-line,
helping bring it even more alive.
This unusual wedding adventure is a touching book which will be helpful for children whose parents are remarrying. I
recommend it highly. If you feel the same, look for Grandfather's Wrinkles, Grandpa for Sale, and Carla's Sandwich ... other
releases by this same popular publisher whose editor has the uncanny ability to know what children enjoy reading.
From Large Print Reviews.com
Westley the Wicked and his mom, Mom the Mean, have great fun together. They like to play pirate, and have a grand time
talking and acting like pirates and transforming Westley's bedroom into a pirate's lair. The only problem they have comes in the
form of Stan, mom's boyfriend. Stan isn't one for playing games and he refuses to wear an eye patch or search for treasure. When
mom and Stan decide to get married, and Westley's mom asks him to be the ring bearer at her upcoming wedding to Stan, things
take a turn for the worse. Westley thinks that she has asked him to become a ring BEARrrrr, and if she really wants him to become
a bear, he'll do it - but he is determined to be the most rascally bear ever. As the wedding approaches, Westley becomes more
and more bear-like, and more set in his notion that destroying the wedding might be a good idea. Is there anything that can turn
Westley back into boy? The answer is yes, and it falls upon Stan to find the means of turning Westley back into a boy.
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure was written by David Michael Slater and the story is accompanied by quirky
illustrations by S. G. Brooks. These illustrations graphically illustrate Westley transformation into a bear, and back again into a boy.
This delightful children's picture story book explores the problem of how to merge a new family member into an already tight family
group, as well as the issues of jealousy and frustration that a child can feel in such a situation. All this is done in a short thirty-two
pages, and it is done without ever mentioning any of these problems. At the same time, Slater presents a captivating story that will
delight young and old readers alike.
Written for readers ages 4-8, this is an Accelerated Reader book, and a Society of School Librarians International (SSLI)
Honor Book for 2004. In addition, The Ring Bear is printed in a large print type face that makes it easier for new readers to more
easily identify each word, and which provides welcome relief for those who desire or need a large print text to read aloud to their
rascally bear! The Ring Bear is a charming book filled with pictures that perfectly complement the story. - Auggie Moore
From Family Times Inc.com
Westley doesn’t want a stepfather, but when Westley’s mom announces her plans to wed Stan, he suddenly realizes Stan’s
permanence in his family. In his anger and pain, Westley misunderstands his new role for the big day and imagines he’ll be the ring
bear, not the ring bearer, wreaking havoc on all.
As recent statistics indicate, one out of three Americans are now members of a blended family with many young children and
parents finding themselves in challenging familial roles. The Ring Bear is a charming and tender tale of one child’s struggle growing
into a blended family, giving voice to his confusion and a family’s complicated new changes and emotions. The book opens the
door for parents and children to speak with each other about their own evolving families.
From Your Stepfamily Magazine, May/June 2004 issue
The story addresses common stepfamily issues when there is a remarriage with children - especially with younger children - and
offers an imaginative and sensitive solution. It was a pleasure reading this - the text and the illustrations are both lively, and work
well together - as a successful illustrated book should!
The Ring Bear creatively explores children's complex emotions during the making of a stepfamily. On his imaginary pirate ship,
Westley and his mom formed the perfect duo. He was the captain and she was his first mate. Stan, his mom's new friend, however,
is not allowed aboard the adventure ship, except as a guest. But what happens when Westley's mom decides to marry Stan, and
make him a permanent member of the crew?
Westly doesn't want a stepfather, but when Westley's mom announces her plans to wed Stan, he suddenly realizes Stan's
permanence in the family. In his anger and pain, Westley misunderstands his new role for the big day and imagines he'll be the ring
bear, not the ring bearer, wreaking havoc on all.
Using his powerful imagination, Westley escape the pressures he feels by turning himself in to a bear with fur and claws and
creating a bear cave where he plots and plans how he'll scare away everyone at the wedding. "Young children," says the Slater,"
who are involved in a stepfamily, will see themselves in Westley, finding reassurance that they are not alone." His mother is worried
about him, but doesn't know how to make Westley believe he is loved and an important part of the new family.
On the day of the wedding, Westley's feelings are even more conflicted, and he feels detached from what is going on around him.
The ceremony, however, brings a wonderful surprise from Stan who, recognizing Westley's great imagination, offers him a surprise
fit for a pirate. Westley then allows Stan into his life and creates a special place for him aboard his make-believe pirate ship, and in
his family. - Karen D. Adolphson, Editor
From MyShelf.com
Westley is a very imaginative youngster. He spends his days pretending to be “Westley the Wicked, Pirate King Extraordinaire.”
His mom goes along with his play, calling herself, “Mom the Mean.” When Mom’s friend, Stan, tries to join the fun, Westley is not
happy.
One day, Mom explains to Westley that she and Stan want to be married and they would like him to be their ring bearer. Westley
is not happy about this and expresses his fears by changing into a bear—misinterpreting his mom’s request for a “ring bearer.” He
loves his mom, but isn’t sure if Stan loves him and has doubts about the three of them as a family. The way in which Stan affirms his
affection for Westley is truly touching.
This story is clever in dealing with children who have vivid imaginations, but could have shown a bit more communication between
adults and child. The illustrations were excellent from an adult viewpoint, but a few might prove to be scary to children. When used
to help a child deal with the marriage of a parent, this story should be accompanied with a lot of talk and open communication. -
Allie Bates
From The Writer's Room.com
Many times children find themselves on an emotional roller coaster ride when a new step-parent joins the family. This story deals
with just that and the adorable illustrations on each page make this appealing even to children who have not yet learned how to
read. - Skye Lindborg
From The Midwest Book Review
The Ring Bear: A Rascally Wedding Adventure is a children's picturebook that deals with a serious theme. A young boy is used to
living with just his mother; he doesn't want a stepfather, yet she is getting married and anxious to show him that he will always be a
beloved member of the new blended family. He is to be the ring bearer, but he hears it as "ring bear" and decides to dress up as a
bear to scare everyone away! The captivating illustrations by S. G. Brooks tell of the struggle to bridge rifts of fear and mistrust
with enduring love, in this original, warmhearted, and highly recommended story by David Michael Slater.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Ring Bear should be saved for after The Big Event. No need to plant seeds for this kind of attitude before a real-life wedding.
Here, the ring bearer turns into a grouchy bear when his mom and her boyfriend tell him they're getting married. He and his mom
have always played pirates together. Now this newcomer is horning in. What to do, besides scuttle your pirate-ship room, turn it
into a bear cave, and spend your time dreaming up ways to spoil the upcoming ceremony?
Luckily, a few wise words from the bride make the growling ring bear turn into a pleasant ring bearer as he walks down the aisle.
Disaster's averted in this picture book, which could be useful for youngsters unsure about a new stepparent.
- Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy
From Looking Glass Review
Westley and his mother are great friends and furthermore they are the “most dreaded pair of pirates on the seven seas.” Together
Westley the Wicked and Mom the Mean have great fun and Westley is even willing to let Mom’s friend Stan on board. Mind you
Stan doesn’t get into the proper swing of things as he refuses to put on the obligatory eye patch.
This happy state of affairs suddenly changes when Mom tells Westley that she and Stan are going to get married and they would
like him to be their ring bearer. Hurt and confused Westley thinks that they want him to be a “ring bearrrr” and he then and there
decides that if he has to be a bear he is going to be “a rascally one.”
After this momentous decision is made, poor Westley hides in his “cave” all the time planning all sorts of rascally ways in which he
can spoil the wedding. It is as if the angry bear of Westley’s imagination takes over and the boy Westley is pushed to one side. Will
Mom and her Stan be able to convince the bear to go away without ruining the wedding celebration, and will Westley the boy be
able to accept Stan as his mother’s new husband?
Sensitively created, this picture book does a masterful job in showing us how confused a small child can become when his or her
home life is changed in any way. Confronted with the idea of his mother’s marriage to Stan, Westley wonders if his mother still
wants him and also if Stan wants him. The shifts that Westley makes between his imaginary personalities and his real self not only
show us how powerful the imagination can be in a child’s life but it also emphasises Westley’s uncertainty. The boy takes refuge in
an imaginary world when the real world becomes too bewildering and worrying for him. After a while he isn’t quite sure which
world he belongs in.
The illustrations in this unique picture book are full of vibrant and glowing colour and the illustrator’s portrayal of the sad little boy is
both touching and affectionate.
- Marya Jansen-Gruber
From The Flint Journal
An article about artist- illustrator S.G. Brooks, a Flint-area native. Kim Crawford says "Brooks' illustrations bring Westley's
worries - and his vivid imagination to life."
From Children's Literature
Westley the Wicked and Mom the Mean are pretend pirates on the Seven Seas. However, one day, Mom asks Westley to be her
ring bearer in her wedding to Stan. Westley misunderstands. He thinks Mom wants him to be a bear instead of a boy. So, Westley
turns himself into a pretend bear. He pounces. He growls. He turns his room into a cave. Then the day of the wedding arrives.
Mom asks Westley to turn himself into a boy who can carry the ring. But, Westley the bear is not so sure he wants Mom to marry
Stan. After all Stan, would not play the pretend pirate game. Westley the bear begins the long walk down the aisle with ring in
hand. As he walks, his bear suit drops away. His claws fall to the ground. Westley reaches Mom and Stan as himself, a boy with a
ring. This charming, original story will engage readers of all ages. It is a much-needed book for children experiencing parents who
are remarrying. Children will identify immediately with Westley the bear!
- Mindy Hardwick
From Lisa Cohn, award winning author
In "The Ring Bear," ...a single mother and her son, Westley, love to play rascally pirates. Like many single parents and their kids,
it's clear the mom and her son are incredibly close: They've created their own fantasy world about Westley the Wicked and Mom
the Mean.
Enter Stan, Mom's boyfriend, who sometimes comes aboard their ship but refuses to wear an eye patch and doesn't want to
search for stowaways. Westley thinks it's okay if Stan comes on board, as long as he understands he's a visitor, not a real pirate
like Mom and Westley. When Mom tells Westley that she's going to marry Stan and wants him to be the ring bearer at the
wedding, Westley staggers back to his pretend ship. He mistakenly thinks Mom said she wants him to be the "ring bear."
Imaginative Westley assumes the role of Ring Bear and acts out his confused feelings about his mom's marriage. He snatches out of
Stan's hands flowers meant for his mom; he pounces on Stan and Mom when they're watching TV; he hides in his bear cave and
plots ways to wreck the wedding. In this warm and beautifully illustrated book, children get a realistic look at how it feels to have a
parent re-marry. Westley knows his mom loves him; but what about Stan?
Slater, author of Cheese Louise! and a seventh grade language arts teacher, does a great job of engaging both adults and children
with this humorous book. The Ring Bear, like most picture books, ends happily: Stan dons an eye patch during the wedding, then
Mom, Westley and Stan sail off together. While the happy ending may not reflect the cold realities of early stepfamily life, it will
give stepchildren hope about the potential for feeling loved and accepted by a new stepparent. - Lisa Cohn, co-author of One
Family, Two Family, New Family: Stories And Advice For Stepfamilies and of Stepfamily Life Newsletter
From the San Diego Union Tribune
One day, Mom tells Wesley that she and her friend Stan are getting married, and she wants Wesley to be the ring bearer. He hears
it as ring bearrrr and thinks he has to be a bear. He turns his room into a bear cave. He plans how he will be mean and scary to the
guests. Find out what happens on the day of the wedding. - Christine Raynes, Under the Covers
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