Clara loves Bear, but his fervent longing for a dad becomes an empty place he believes only a father can fill. He sets out along the shore to find his dad and discovers through his encounters that Clara gives him all the love that he needs.

The book also offers two additional stories: “Used Up Bear,” where he worries he will be cast aside for a new toy, and “Lonesome Bear,” where he makes new friends on a search for the missing Clara.

The book’s author and illustrator, Clay Carmichael, lives in Carrboro. To learn more about her and to purchase the book, visit claycarmichael.com. Flexibound, 129 pages, $14.95.