• A Bear Affair
  • Posts
  • Silly Monsters, Big Giggles and a Trip to Scotland

Silly Monsters, Big Giggles and a Trip to Scotland

Big news! BLUE HEARS a MOO! I'm Not Scared...Are You? —a Funny, Halloween—Ready Story for Little Monsters, er, I mean Readers!

Author

Barry Waldo
September 16, 2025

Slàinte mhath, mates! It’s been a wee while since my last newsletter back in February, but I’ve been waiting until I had some truly big news to share (no one wants extra clutter in their inbox!) The new Bear in a Bow Tie book, BLUE HEARS a MOO! I’m Not Scared…Are You? will arrive just in time for Halloween. It’s a great story for 3 to 8 year olds, full of silly monster moments. And this time, I’ve tucked lots of learning content about Scotland in the back pages for curious readers and classrooms alike.
Order your Limited Signed Numbered Edition HERE before they’re all gone.
Prefer a little character with your book, order the Bear and Book Bundle HERE.

Pick Your Favorite Front Cover

I’m almost ready to reveal the front cover of Blue Hears a Moo! I’m Not Scared…Are You? — but I need your help! I’ve narrowed it down to two final pieces of art, and I’d love for you to pick your favorite. Vote below!

Which cover will kids ages 3-8 like the most?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

“This story was dreamed up over countless cups of coffee (okay, maybe a scone or two) in the cozy cafés of Glasgow. Scotland has a way of seeping into your imagination—its misty mornings, magical lochs, and the warmth of its people. For seven years, Scotland was our home, and every day brought kindness, laughter, and inspiration like no other.”

Barry Brandon Waldo

Meet Blue’s Baby Twin Sisters!

New Characters!

My dear friend Gail often calls me with ‘advice’, the last time it was “you need girl bears!” If Gail, who is 98 years old, has time to offer me her pearls of wisdom, you’d better bet I’m going to take them! Introducing Blue’s baby twin sisters: Jane in a Jersey and Bess in a Dress. You’ll meet them, along with a special Scottish guest star, in BLUE HEARS a MOO! I’m Not Scared…Are You? 

MESSY McFARLEN’S TOMATO GARDEN still going strong! Just a shoutout of immense gratitude for all those that supported my new Spring garden series for kids. As always, I need your honest reviews. It’s super easy:

  1. click here to go to the Amazon book page,

  2. click on the number of reviews in parenthesis next to the star rating,

  3. click on write a customer review (button on left side of page)

  4. type a few words,

  5. hit “Submit”

OUR SUMMER SHENANIGANS

We spent the summer reverting to our rural roots but this time, it was Hudson Valley and not Arkansas. With easy proximity to Manhattan, we’ve been seeing shows, gorging on great food and gardening like mad men! It was our 1st time growing tomatoes on the East Coast (Tomatomania) and the crop came in later but didn’t disappoint! And just as our Fall pumpkin patch is starting to thrive, we’re dual-ing it back and forth to Canada for the next few years—more on that soon. Until then, love each other, give someone a helping hand, read a good book, and keep standing up for equality. Oh, and check out Blue’s new musical instrument and friend, a giggly Highland coo!
Love ya,

Barry