Copyright BPChildren 2001-2011
"This is an absolutely wonderful book that provides
parents an opportunity to help their children with
bipolar disorder understand the illness in language
that is child friendly and truthful. The illustrations
are absolutely beautiful, they depict the depth of
emotions that are seen in this illness with
unbelievable detail. This book is a MUST HAVE for
every child with bipolar disorder and a wonderful
addition to every home library. Only through
education and knowledge can parents and children
develop the skills necessary to successfully fight
this very serious neurological brain disorder and
empower the child to take control of their illness!"
Dr Donna Gilcher
Congratulations to Brandon and the Bipolar
Bear for winning the 2011 About.com
Reader's Choice Award in the category of
Children's Special Needs!
"This is the first fictional story available for children about early-onset bipolar disorder.
Children will follow (and relate to) Brandon's experience with rapid mood swings, irritability,
his sense of always being uncomfortable, and his sadness that he can't control himself and
that no one can fix him. The comforting explanation of bipolar disorder that Dr. Samuel
gives him makes Brandon feel not alone, not bad, but hopeful that the medicines will make
him (and his Bipolar Bear) feel better.We were so moved by the power of this little book and
we feel better that we now can highly recommend a book for children ages 4 through 11."
Janice Papolos, co-author of The Bipolar Child
I love this book
and my son
does too!!
"A powerful, yet simple
fictional story about a young
boy living with bipolar disorder.
In this book, readers learn
about Brandon's symptoms,
fears, and treatment from a
child's viewpoint. One of our
children, age 7, wouldn't part
with it. Suitable for ages 4-10
but can also serve as a tool for
improving communications with
siblings, teachers, and friends."
The Child and Adolescent
Bipolar Foundation (CABF)
"Parents of children with pediatric bipolar disorder will celebrate
the release of this new color version of Brandon and the Bipolar
Bear. It is a beautifully illustrated story told with compassion and
understanding of a complex and difficult to treat disorder. My
child benefited greatly from reading this book when she was first
diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It helped her to understand many
of the symptoms she was dealing with and gave her hope for the
future. It was also helpful for her sister to read to gain insight
into her sibling's illness. Brandon and the Bipolar Bear is written in
a way that children can relate to, using language and descriptions of
symptoms that they can easily identify with. It is a wonderful
resource and educational tool for parents, therapists, doctors and
educators. It is a must have book for anyone who works with or
cares for a child with pediatric bipolar disorder." Catherine
I just wanted to let you know that I have allowed
the kids in my sons classroom hear the story of
'Brandon and the Bipolar Bear' and it makes my
son feel better. He now knows that the kids might
have a better understanding of his moods. He is
always so proud everytime it is read to the
classroom. This is the second year and it has
been wonderful. Thank you for this wonderful
book." Jennifer Anderson
"I got the books for my
children and they are simply
explained and well done.
Thank you for publishing
them. My children love them."
"I love Brandon and the Bipolar Bear. My
daughter's teachers this year and last read
it to her classmates and it really helped
everyone understand her so much better."
"I enjoyed and appreciated the book Brandon and
the Bipolar Bear, it has been very helpful to me
personally and professionally."
"This book helps explain bipolar disorder
and the treatment for it to both the child
with the illness and the parents (and
siblings). The illustrations help the book
come alive and allow the child to see him or
herself in the story and relate to Brandon.
And while this book explains a serious
illness, it offers hope. This is the best tool to
introduce and explain this illness to a child."
"This book has been great for my
daughter. She really enjoyed finding a
book about another kid like her. It
also came in handy to explain to family
and daycare workers exactly what she
feels like. This book is a great
resource for parents and young
children dealing with bipolar." Lydia
Holliger
"This is a must have for any home
with children that have Bipolar
Disorder or, anyone who wants to
learn more about the disorder. It
helps children to realize that they
are not alone in this world.This
book had great pictures with very
vivid color.It has nice paper with a
nice gloss finish." Jessy
"Brandon and the Bipolar Bear is a wonderful tool to
help explain to a child what bipolar illness is without
talking down to him. The way the story is written
will not bore a child with long and overly detailed
clinical explainations. The new illustrations are
wonderful and make the story not only informative
for the Brandons in our lives but do so in a gentle,
non-frightening manner. There are wonderful
examples of what the child is feeling so other
children can more easialy understand what kids they
know with this diagnosis are feeling. So glad there is
finally something that can be shared with the
community." Gigg
"Just wanted to let you know how much my 9 yr.
old son enjoyed your book. When I got to the part
about how you get bipolar he said 'I always
wondered about that.' I just wanted to let you
know that I think it is a great book and will be very
helpful to parents. Thanks for giving us another
great tool to use with our children."
"Just received a copy of 'Brandon' and wanted to say that it's really great! I shared
it with three other moms who are leading a support group we have for parents of
bipolar children and we think we'll be ordering more to offer for sale at our meetings!"
"It's about time a book came out for our
kids with bipolar disorder. You see lots of
these books for other chronic illnesses but
not for anything to do with bipolar. Maybe
it's the stigma? I've been looking for
something just like this for my son and this
is great, it's perfect--so well done."