Crestline, California Oct 14, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Howie is unlike the other bears -- in his appearance, his behavior, and his preferences. He longs for companionship and searches for someone who will accept him exactly as he is. That is the heart of Howie, The Unusual Bear, Laure Stack's picture book about individuality, belonging, and the hope of being loved without having to conform. The story's inspiration is deeply personal. In a June 2026 interview, Stack shared that Howie grew partly from her experience with her own son, who, in her words, "did not fit into the box" -- as well as other young people she came to value precisely for their differences. Stack has connected the fear of being different with bullying, and she emphasizes the importance of discussing acceptance with children early. "As a teacher and a parent, I need children to believe in themselves, be proud of themselves, and understand how to deal with fear and conflict in healthy ways," Stack said. Reviewers have embraced the book's message. Pacific Book Review praised it for showing children they can maintain hope while seeking people who appreciate their unique personalities. The book explores acceptance, friendship, self-confidence, and the idea that belonging should never require erasing what makes a child different. Stack, a former special education teacher with more than two decades of experience supporting children through their struggles and dreams, now writes from her home in Lake Arrowhead, California. In 2026 she was named Best New Children's Book Author in California, United States, by the Evergreen Awards -- whose award page highlights Howie, The Unusual Bear alongside Once Upon a Boy for encouraging self-confidence, individuality, curiosity, and learning.

Audio editions of all of Stack's books are also in production and will be available soon. Howie, The Unusual Bear by Laure Stack -- 36 pages; ages preschool through Grade 2; ISBN 9798265815255. Find the Book: Author website https://laurestack.com/ ; Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Howie-Unusual-Bear-Laure-Stack/dp/B0FRGGRGDT ; Facebook @authorlaurestack; Instagram @authorlaurestack. ### Laure Stack is a children's author and former special education teacher with more than 20 years of experience working with young people from kindergarten through high school. After retiring from education, she began turning the emotional barriers she had observed in children -- self-doubt, fear of difference, loneliness, and uncertainty -- into stories designed to encourage confidence and self-acceptance. She lives in Lake Arrowhead, California, with her husband and pets. In 2026 she was named Best New Children's Book Author in California, United States, by the Evergreen Awards. Media Contact: Laure Stack | [email protected] | (626) 488-3547 | https://laurestack.com/

Media Contact

Laure Stack

[email protected]

(626) 488-3547

https://laurestack.com/