Author(s): Gillian Watts

Children's Picture Books

Papa loves little Orsa -- but sometimes it's hard to tell.

It seems to Orsa Bear that Papa is angry all the time -- especially after he's had a lot of jack-berry wine. If Papa's not yelling at Mama about the weeds in their garden, he's roaring at Orsa for being clumsy at his chores.

Orsa is scared and doesn't understand why his father acts this way. After a long winter's sleep things get worse, but with the help of Dr. Owl, Mama and Orsa bravely take steps to break the cycle of violence.

Told in an easy-to-read graphic narrative format, Hear My Roar provides a gentle, non-threatening approach to talking with children about family violence. The foreword and afterword help parents, teachers and caregivers use the story with young readers.

This edition of Hear My Roar was adapted from the first edition by Dr. Ty Hochban, who has conducted extensive research in child developmental psychology and the effects of family violence.