Story Summary

A nine-year-old boy living in Alaska loves nature, and decides, since his dad won’t take him for a walk in the forest next to their home, he’ll have to go on his own—that’s just what he does—forgetting he’s just a little boy, after all.

After enjoying being in the wilds, he finds himself completely lost, until a very special bear comes and takes him for a remarkable tour of the forest. They meet different animals and the bear teaches Mike about life in the wilderness, until it is time for the bear to take Mike home—the tired boy getting a ride on the bear’s back.

Sad to see the bear go, Mike hopes they will meet again, when he is older and wiser, and can explore the woods all he wants.