The Babysitter Tree

Story by Molly Beth Griffin Illustrations by Jennifer A. Bell Available October 2026 Minnesota Historical Society Press Description Young black bears tumble and spar, rest and recharge, and—most importantly—find safety and security in the shaded sanctuary of a white pine tree. When a mama black bear goes foraging, she leaves her cubs with their babysitter—a huge white pine tree—where they’ll be safe until she returns. They are sad to be left behind, but soon they are playing in the shade of the tree. All is well, until a coyote’s scent sends them climbing high into the branches. Will mama come back? Will she scare the danger away? The cubs discover that their mama will always take care of them, even when that means leaving them with another trusted caretaker.  Based on the real behavior of black bears in the wild, The Babysitter Tree is for every child who has been left with a sitter and has missed their grown-up. It is for all of us, at any age, who appreciate reassurances that we will be cared for, protected, comforted, and eventually reunited with the ones we love most. And it is for all the wonderful babysitters and caregivers who help our little ones feel safe—and who make parenting possible. Charming illustrations in acrylics, graphite, and colored pencil capture the roly-poly playfulness of bear cubs and the expansive, protective branches of that icon of the northland, the white pine, their babysitter tree. Author Information Molly Beth Griffin’s many picture books include Ten Beautiful Things, Rhoda’s Rock Hunt, and Rings of Heartwood. She lives in Minneapolis. Jennifer A. Bell has illustrated more than fifty children’s books. She lives in St. Paul. Hardcover 32 pages 10 x 10 inches Fully illustrated ISBN: 978-1-68134-343-3