Pocket Bear
By: Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Magical Realism
Number of Pages: 272
Published: September 9, 2025
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Dates Read: September 2, 2025
Format: ARC / eBook

Zephyrina is a trash-diving, chaos-loving cat, who has been deemed “The Cat Burglar” by the neighborhood due the treasures she brings back home. Some of those treasures are stuffed toys and when they’re brought back, the daughter of the home will clean them up, make any repairs needed, and then put them up for “adoption” at her Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. Pocket, the unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home is Zephyrina’s best friend and he’s who both welcomes and looks after the stuffies during the night while the humans sleep.

When Zephyrina brings back a teddy bear a local collector has her eye on, things turn interesting at home.

I already knew when I saw Katherine Applegate had a new book coming out that I was going to want to read it – I also knew I would probably get at least a little teary eyed because that’s what she does to me in all her books. The concept of this book being about a little pocket bear – a tiny teddy bear born during WWI that was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket with their eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that they’re always looking up – was already getting me emotional because, as a young girl, I would get emotionally attached to stuffed animals, and you’re telling me soldiers would take these little teddy bears with them into battle?! Secondly, his best friend is a cat, so I was already obsessed!

If you mix together some historical fiction, current events, and Toy Story you’ve got yourself Pocket Bear. Though this book is aimed at younger audiences, I’m 33 and absolutely loved it. I think anyone who ever had any connection to a stuffed animal would adore this book. Also, anyone who loves cats would enjoy this as well since Zephyrina is the narrator.

Overall, this is an adorable book that readers of all ages would enjoy and appreciate, especially those who wish magic upon their stuffed animals.

*Thank you Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review