Coco and Bear have their first argument in this heartwarming picture book about friendship, communication, and fun in the snow from the creator of Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends and the New York Times bestseller Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light.

Coco and Bear can’t wait to build a snow castle with their friends Baby Deer and Quilber. But as construction begins, Coco starts to turn their castle into a fort and gets too carried away to listen to Bear when he tries to share his ideas. At last, sweet Bear loses his temper and shouts: “LISTEN TO ME, COCO!”

Frustrated and hurt, Coco stomps off to build on her own. But after talking with Baby Deer and Quilber, Coco and Bear soon realize they both were in the wrong. They reunite and forgive each other. But to work together, they’ll have to find a new way to listen and take turns speaking what’s in their hearts.

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Apryl Stott

Apryl Stott loves telling stories, reading, and drawing. She always has paper, a pencil, and a sharpie in her bag for drawing emergencies. Her debut picture book, Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light, was a New York Times bestseller. Apryl also wrote and illustrated Almost Always Best, Best Friends; Find Your Brave: A Coco and Bear Story; Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends; Ruby’s Tools for Fixing Mistakes; Speak Your Heart: A Coco and Bear Story; and Welcome, Spring!. Learn more and download free story activities at AprylStottDesign.com.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the author

Apryl Stott

Why We Love It

“I love how Coco and Bear model conflict resolution in this story, including asking for forgiveness and sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. Plus, it all ends with a beautiful snow fort and an epic snowball fight!”

—Catherine L., Senior Editor, on Speak Your Heart

Product Details

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (September 16, 2025)
Length: 40 pages
ISBN13: 9781665921664
Ages: 4 - 8

Raves and Reviews

"A sweet, well-told story with important lessons on navigating friendship tensions."

– Kirkus Reviews

"The watercolor and digital illustrations are striking. All the animals look like they shop from a woodland L. L. Bean catalog. Endpapers are intricate folk-art inspired scenes, like an image from a Jan Brett story. A fine addition for larger collections."

– School Library Journal