Rescued from a dumpster by alley cat (and narrator) Zephyrina, an old teddy bear finds himself delivered to Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. This unofficial toy repair and restoration effort is run by Dasha, a Ukrainian refugee, from the home where she lives with her mom. A toy entering Second Chances goes through a process: probation (a chance to be reclaimed by their owners), a spell in the freezer (which Dasha thinks will kill germs), and a thorough scrubbing; afterward, the toy joins the cuddly ranks. Dubbed “Berwon” by Dasha, the old bear is welcomed by Pocket, a tiny mascot bear originally handsewn to fit inside the pocket of a World War I soldier. But it turns out Berwon is not just any old bear. He is one of the first batch of teddies ever made, and “Picky Vicky,” a wily antique trader, wants him. When Dasha rejects Vicky’s lowball offer, Vicky resorts to underhanded means, and it’s up to haughty yet goodhearted Zephyrina to once again come to Berwon’s aid. Fortunately, Berwon—and Pocket, too—have caught the eye of a museum curator. If they have any say in the matter, the old, tired bears would appreciate such a quiet place to retire. Told with humor and warmth, this entertaining tale emphasizes community care and offers much in the way of fascinating teddy bear history. (Ages 8-12)

An instant New York Times Bestseller!

Meet Pocket, created as a good luck charm for soldiers going into battle, whose bravery and loyalty lives on long after the war.

From Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Odder and The One and Only Ivan.

Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some.

An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.

Don't miss more heartwarming books by Katherine Applegate:
Odder
Wishtree
Crenshaw
Willodeen