From the time I was a toddler and making my first forays into the North Carolina wilderness, North American Black Bears have always been a part of my life. As a toddler, my nephew shared my passion for the woods and fields we came to roam together, and many of the experiences I have had were shared with him. Now his daughter is as passionate about bears as is her uncle. Olivia, this book is for you, and for anyone else who loves animals and the great outdoors. May everyone who buys this book have as much fun reading it to yourself and your children as I have writing it. John Midwood