Riley really is a brave little cub. We aren't told what happened to him in his early life, but whatever it was must count as abuse, for Riley has become brave like a porcupine (prickly), brave like a squirrel (stowing food away secretly), brave like a tiger (fighting and scratching), and brave like a chameleon (blending into the background). The worst thing though, was being brave like a very tough but frightened turtle who crawls into his shell. 'He tried not to need anyone anymore.' He's in a good place now with foster or adoptive parents (elephants) who love him dearly and are doing their best to help him be brave as himself. He's learning to feel safe, to know he can get food whenever he needs it, to express his feelings in words rather than temper, and to laugh and play with his friends without having to blend into the background. But the biggest thing he is learning is that he can now ask for help when he needs it. In other words, 'He is letting safe big critters into his heart instead of keeping them out.' There are some American slang words like 'critter', but these in no way detract from the story. The illustrations show us a little bear becoming more active and happy with each day, and there are five pages of information and strategies for parents and carers at the back of the book. The story itself will also be of use to parents as they see the family coming together in special ways. A great help for parents with children who have developed behavioural problems, due to early experience.