The Bear Who Wanted to Find Tomorrow: A Children's Book About Friendship and Finding Joy in Today

Bear is always thinking about tomorrow. When he asks his mother if it is tomorrow yet, she tells him, "No, Bear. It is today." His brothers want him to play, but he is too impatient. He wonders if tomorrow can be found somewhere else. He sets out alone into the sunset, hoping to catch up with tomorrow. He meets a bird, singing a lovely song. But he can't take time to listen. He meets Badger, who invites him to stay for a visit. But he is in a hurry. At last Winter comes and Bear has not found tomorrow. He falls into a weary sleep, troubled by dreams of all the things he has missed. When he wakes up, his yearning for tomorrow is gone, replaced by a sadness for yesterday. As he makes his way home, he stops to admire the beautiful sunrise. He listens to the bird's song to see how it will end. When he encounters Badger again, they take time to become friends. Back at home his brothers are waiting for him. As they run off to play, Bear realizes that the most important day of all is today.

Deborah Jenkins Teske is a choir director and music educator by profession. She wrote this story in 2004, when her daughter Miranda and son Adam were both small. Many years later, Miranda and her Aunt Tammy, both gifted artists, teamed up to create the vibrant watercolor illustrations that bring Bear's world to life.