Taking place in Alert Bay, and based on actual events, this is the story of an unprecedented visit by two grizzly bears. After swimming ashore, the grizzlies wander the town as residents watch from the safety of their homes. The bears feast on fruits in backyards and devour crabs on the beach. Eventually they are caught in conservation officers’ traps, tranquilized, and flown back to the mainland, allowing the residents to safely resume their outdoor activities. Descriptions of the bears’ physical features and behaviours are woven into the text and shown in the illustrations. The book ends with a list of facts about grizzly bears and safety tips for those hiking or camping in bear territory. Permissions given by ’Na̱mǥis First Nation for specific depictions of Alert Bay appearing in the illustrations are acknowledged. A map showing the bears’ routes to and from Alert Bay make up the end matter.

32 pp., 8.5 × 11", colour illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Judy Hilgemann has been an artist and illustrator all her life. She has illustrated several books, including B is for Basketball, which was the official book of the 2011All Native Basketball Tournament and was shortlisted for the First Nations Communities READ program for 2014–2015. She is a member of the Island Illustrator’s Society and Federation of Canadian Artists. She lives in Queen Charlotte, BC.

Judy Hilgemann's profile page

“Based on a real event, this simple story calls attention to the increased presence of bears in urban settings; inclusion of useful facts on grizzlies, bear encounters, and safety tips for avoiding bears when hiking and camping spurs reader awareness. Luminous, realistic, colorful illustrations capture the splendor of coastal British Columbia, adding geographic, cultural, and naturalistic context as well as revealing the grizzlies as calm, curious, hungry visitors simply enjoying their holiday away from home. Great bear encounter.”

<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>

“Judy Hilgemann has illustrated a beautiful story that tells of the challenges grizzly bears and our communities face as we learn to coexist and be more respectful of the natural world.”

Michael J. Audain, OC OBC, Founder, Grizzly Bear Foundation

“The author has presented the setting in appealing watercolor paintings that show the townsite of Alert Bay, its harbor and the wild lands that surround it in fine detail…What comes across so well is the acceptance of bears as a natural part of life in a human settlement in bear country. The facts and safety tips reinforce this attitude toward a fascinating west coast animal. Highly Recommended.”

<i>CM: Canadian Materials</i>

“What an important story! In a time when bears are compelled to come closer to towns, the role of conservation officers and the important jobs they do need to be told. With lovely art and chock full of wonderful facts, this tale teaches and entertains!”

Robert Budd, Co-author, Northwest Coast Legends series

“With heartwarming illustrations alongside a grizzly-bear-sized adventure, The Great Grizzlies Go Home is a true story of two sibling bears that went on a roller coaster of an island-hopping journey through the Great Bear Rainforest.”

Ian McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild