Author Spotlight - Sarah Trent

Several months ago, I began noticing Sarah Trent's writings on Facebook. She always nails emotions I have experienced. Her expressive writing communicates deep emotional anguish beside steady foundational faith. Readers come away encouraged and inspired. My faith has been invigorated by Sarah's writings. I think her words will minister to you, as well.

Sarah's writing is heartfelt and deeply moving. I have shared several of her pieces on my Facebook wall. She touches on grief and doubt, comfort and faith. 

On March 26th, I prefaced her post with a quote used in my book, Watching the Wayward: Psalms for Parents of Prodigals. I wrote, "Doubt and questions do not negate faith - they express it with tears and hope - as Sue Bohlin expresses, '[God] receives more glory through limping people who are dependent on Him, than healthy people who breeze through life independent of Him.'" 

Here is the devotional Sarah shared that day:

"You believe God is good…

but your heart still trembles at what His goodness has allowed.

You say it with your mouth, He is faithful, He is kind, He is just, but your chest tightens when you trace the outline of your own story.

Because somewhere between what you know

and what you’ve lived, there is a tension that feels like it might tear you in two.

You have seen too much to call this easy.

You have buried things you never thought would die. You have watched prayers fall to the ground like shattered glass,

sharp enough to cut you when you try to pick them back up again.

And still, you whisper, God is good.

But it doesn’t come out like a shout.

It comes out like a question wrapped in trembling.

You are not faithless.

You are wounded.

Because there is a difference between doubting His character

and struggling to reconcile His permission.

You don’t question who He is,

you question why He allowed this.

Why He stood still

when everything in you was breaking.

Why He remained silent

when one word could have stopped it all.

Why His hands, that formed galaxies,

did not reach down and interrupt the unraveling of your life.

And somewhere deep inside,

you wrestle with the quiet ache of it:

If You are good… why did this happen?

But this ache does not disqualify your faith.

It reveals it.

Because real faith does not exist in the absence of pain—it is forged in the presence of questions

that have not yet been answered.

It is the kind of faith that sits in the ashes

and still turns its face toward heaven,

even when heaven feels unbearably still.

It is the kind of faith that weeps at the feet of Jesus and says, I know You could have stopped this…and I still don’t understand why You didn’t.

And yet, it does not walk away.

Listen…

God is not threatened by your grief.

He is not offended by your confusion.

He does not recoil at your questions.

He steps into them.

The same God you call good

is the God who entered suffering Himself,

who did not explain pain from a distance,

but wore it in His own body.

He knows what it is to cry out,

to feel the weight of what was allowed,

to carry a story that looks like loss

before it ever looks like redemption.

So when you say,

“I believe You are good, but I don’t know how to be okay with what You allowed…”

He does not silence you.

He draws nearer.

Because somewhere in the sacred space

between your belief and your breaking,

He is doing something you cannot yet see—

Not wasting.

Not overlooking.

Not ignoring.

But weaving.

Thread by thread,

through tears you did not choose,

through nights you could not escape,

through pain that felt unnecessary and cruel,

He is crafting a redemption

that will one day make your trembling voice steady again.

Not because you will forget what happened,

but because you will see what He was doing

in the parts you thought were abandoned.

And one day, not today, maybe not soon,

but one day, your voice will rise again,

not as a question,

but as a knowing:

He was good… even there.

Until then, you are allowed to grieve what has happened while still clinging to who He is.

You are allowed to say,

“I trust You… but this hurts.”

And that is not the absence of faith.

That is faith, with tears in its eyes

and heaven still in its sight."

I had no way of knowing, at that time, that the words would ring even truer after my son's untimely death. How apt the above devotional is for the emotions I'm currently battling. I take great comfort in Sarah's words and thoughts. They reflect my struggles well and fix my gaze back on God. That is why I snapped up her devotional book, Launch Out into the Deep, when it became available in early April. You can read my book review of her book here. Her effective writing drove me to seek an interview for an author spotlight and she kindly agreed.

Q1: I've been following your inspiring pieces on Facebook for 6 months. I'm trying to place them in a category. Would you call them poems? Micro-essays? Devotionals? Or merely social media posts?

Sarah: I have always called them devotions, but I’m not sure what the perfect term would be! Most of them are simply love notes from the Lord.

Q2: Your writing clearly reveals that you have endured great losses and challenges in your young life. If comfortable, can you share the deep waters you've survived? What helps you endure? What is key to rising above challenges, in your view?

Sarah: I have had 4 miscarriages. Several of those have been extremely traumatic, and one of them almost took my life as well. Those are things I NEVER would’ve chosen. And honestly, some days, I still battle with WHY? What is the purpose? Although I would never have chosen this road, this grief, for myself…I have been able to reach people I never would’ve been able to otherwise. One of my most traumatic miscarriages, I remember begging the Lord for this to not happen, this to not be my reality. And he said, “if it has to be Gethsemane, will you love me anyway?” And to be honest, I didn’t always love him. I would be angry, and hurt, and frustrated with the things he had allowed. But there came a point in time where I had to decide that either God was God or he was not. He was either good, or he was not. He was either faithful, or he was not. Sometimes in those deep, dark places…we have to decide whether we are going to believe he is God or not. Even if nothing feels right, nothing is right, nothing looks good. I have to choose him. I have to choose whether “though he slay me, yet I will trust in him.” That’s a hard place to be, but if you’re going to make it out of the darkness, I truly believe you have to come to that place where you choose him anyways.

Q3: Such true insights! Even when the outcome is not what we believed God's will would bring, we must choose Him anyway! For years I kept my writing mostly to myself. In my own deep waters, with our prodigal son, God gave words (prayers) to articulate the struggle and I felt convicted that others might find blessing in their expression. Can you tell us what started your writing journey?

Sarah: I started writing “devotions” in high school. I loved to study, and I loved to write. I didn’t have social media at the time, but I had a little email list that would read them. My dad printed them all and has kept them.💛 I slowed down on writing when I began working full time and got married. When I experienced my first miscarriage, I stopped altogether. I had no desire to read my Bible for myself, much less to write for someone else. I had my first live birth, and had PPD. During that season, I began to write again, and share them on Facebook. I was a little concerned about what people would think or say, but I desperately needed an outlet. During my second miscarriage, I began to write more. And I stopped caring what anyone thought. Everything was raw and real. And it has increased since that point.

Q4: Pain certainly drives us to prayer and writing. You are a mother of small children and a photographer. How do you carve out time to write? What is your greatest writing challenge, and how has God carried you through that?

Sarah: None of my kids have been good sleepers! They have all been rough through the night. But that is when the Lord usually helps me the most, in the night, when no one else is aware, and I’m sitting up with a baby or toddler who hates sleep. One thing I do struggle with is burn out, just being exhausted all together. So I am trying to do better with “breaks” and realizing that I don’t HAVE to show up every day if it’s too much. The people I live with have to come first💛

Q5: Your posts receive great response and interaction. Did the following come quickly for you?

Sarah: No, the following was NOT quick. I posted for several years with very little engagement. But that was fine, I was doing what I knew I needed to do, and that was enough. I remember the post that really grew my page, was one about Mary’s mother. And how she likely raised Mary to be who she was. My following went from a few people that I knew for the most part, to over 10 k over night! With that came A LOT of trolls and nasty comments as well. Even a few death threats (people are insane). But that’s when my page began to grow some💛

Q6: That's crazy! Another impressive aspect is your depth of dependence on God's Word. Each piece draws heavily on biblical verses and principles. Can you tell us about the process between the Word and the writings? Are you in a passage that triggers a response? Do you begin with an idea and find support from God's Word?

Sarah: It’s a bit of both! Sometimes I draw from what I’m reading in God’s Word and begin writing from a passage, other times I’m driving down the road or up in the night and I have a thought and then I search for evidence from God's Word. My opinion means nothing unless it has God’s Word to back it up!

Q7: That's exactly the same process I followed in writing the prayer poems in my book. Sometimes God prompts something in response to God's Word. Sometimes God prompts ideas and provides wisdom from His Word. I think your words resonate with many. We all carry burdens. Do you feel "called to create" (as Jordan Raynor puts it)? What do you want your words to accomplish as you post them on Facebook?

Sarah: The Lord has opened a huge door for me, as far as posting on social media. I feel like I need to steward that opportunity well, and that’s why I definitely think it is an avenue of ministry. Especially in this season of my life!

Q8: I've been blessed by your ministry and believe you are stewarding well! Your first book, Launch Out into the Deep, was published by Redemption Press in April. It is a collection of devotional thoughts. I was a happy winner of a physical copy. Since I had already purchased the e-book, I sent my copy off to a very good friend whose burdens are unusually heavy. What led to the publication of that book? How did you determine its framework and what pieces to include?

Sarah: They actually reached out to me about publishing! That book was a total God thing and an answer to prayers I had prayed for quite a while about wanting to have a book in print. I cannot say enough good things about the team I worked with, and how they individually walked with the Lord. They were so kind and patient with me in my ignorance of the publishing process. Yet they took my mission and goal with my book so seriously!

Q9: I love how your writing honestly addresses lament, while leading to worship. Some consider the expression of lament as something sinful, a distrust of God in some way. I'm with Mark Vroegop (author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy), who views lament as evidence of faith when it leads to worship. What helps you move from loss and grief to praise and worship? Is it a saturation of scripture? A shift in perspective? The prayers of others?

Sarah: We have an entire book of our Bible called LAMENTATIONS, yet most people don’t know anything about lament. It’s such a taboo topic. Even Job’s friends thought he must’ve sinned somehow to experience such pain. Job’s story ends with the latter end being better than the beginning. But the whole book is included. The whole story is there, the good, the bad, and the ugly parts. We need more people who are willing to say, “yes, this isn’t great, this STINKS. But the latter end is coming. This is not the end.” Instead of a bunch of platitudes that don’t actually help. I think lament is a beautiful thing, and a necessary thing. It’s worship, and it’s inviting God into where you are. I hope the things I write encourage people to be more open, and hide less. Because God is the God of good times, and bad. The latter end is coming, just like Job’s, so I can worship Him here.

Q10: As you continue writing on Facebook, do you have plans to publish another book in the future? What topic might you choose for such a book? What is the best way for my blog readers to find your writing?

Sarah: I would love to write more books! I’m just waiting for the Lord to open doors. I have several “in mind,” but I would love to do one from the perspectives of biblical characters. I have written several devotionals on those topics and I think I have enough for a solid book! But whenever, and whatever doors the Lord opens…I want to be ready to walk through them. I have Facebook, Instagram, and a substack as well! A lot of people who enjoy reading, subscribe to my substack, because it’s sent to their email and no socials are required! I would love to have any one follow along💛

Many thanks to Sarah for fielding my questions and sharing her inspiring work. I hope you take a moment to read some of her writings and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, or Substack. I encourage you to purchase her book. The beauty of the paperback copy is that you can interact with the pieces by writing in the allotted space after each devotional. However, the e-book allows easy access on your phone or Kindle, while out and about, needing some words to bolster and inspire. Thanks again, Sarah! May God continue to bless and multiply your gifts.

Book Review: God's Smuggler to China

This 1981 book, God's Smuggler to China, by Brother David, has a foreward by Brother Andrew (the original "God's Smuggler"). In both ministries, the Lord closed the eyes of border guards so Bibles could infiltrate closed countries. Once again, God laid a burden upon the heart of His disciple to take God's Word where it was needed. Many doubted he could penetrate the closed borders of China, but God does the impossible time and time again. Brother David's convictions remained undaunted. 

I did not take the time to note various examples of God's abundant provision. However, I do recall a story of young children whose parents were killed or imprisoned. They had one small allotment of rice left, but they cooked it up, deciding to depend on God for food the following day. Like the Biblical story, every day they approached the jar of rice (in scripture it was oil), there remained enough for another day. Whether unexpected commotions drew the border patrol workers away or comments diverted them, God accomplished the impossible to get His Word into China.

There may come a time when American believers face similar persecutions. For now, we seem very soft. Too many have Bibles and fail to even open them. Do we value and honor our Bibles the way we should? Would we be willing to face torture without denying Christ? These books about the Open Doors ministries will lead you to consider the depth of your devotion. I'm glad I had both books on my shelves to supplement my devotional reading. For me, I will increase my prayer efforts for the persecuted Church.

Book Review: William Warwick Series, 1 & 2

Jeffrey Archer is a masterful storyteller. I love his short stories, with his trademark "twist in the tale." After thoroughly enjoying the Clifton Chronicles series, I waited a while to pick up this William Warwick series. For one thing, I preferred listening to the other series and was hoping to do the same with this one. Alas, my library had book 2, but not book 1. Thus, I finally gave in and read the first book, Nothing Ventured, in large print hardback. The pages flew by. My copy had a different cover, but I love this image of Big Ben and Westminster Bridge.

William Warwick's father assumes he will join him in pursuing law. Instead, William's heart is set on police work, especially solving crimes. When he secures a spot on Scotland Yard's arts and antiquities squad, he is thrust into several cases. As he investigates a stolen Rembrandt, he meets and falls in love with a gallery research assistant. It seems like tricky ground to discuss the painting's return with a woman who has a vested interest. I was sucked into the story and enjoyed meeting the characters. Due to sexual indiscretions, it wasn't a clean read. 

While not as enjoyable as the Clifton Chronicles, I anticipated listening to the second book, Hidden in Plain Sight. This was a bit grittier and harder to read because it dealt with drug cases. A bit too close to home for me, I guess. I wanted to abandon it, but kept listening even when distasteful. It seems there are 8 books in the series. Somehow, I doubt I'll be down for the whole thing. They are all available, but only in audio through Overdrive (I'm much more familiar with using Hoopla). I'm not sure I'll stick with this series.

Laying Our Son to Rest

God, in His mercy, numbed my feelings and emotions for the first few weeks in the shock of my middle son's unexpected death. Outwardly, it looked as if I wasn't grieving. Inwardly, disbelief reverberated. Now that the funeral is over, my emotions are coming to the surface more. But, the time leading up to the funeral was so busy, we hardly had time to think or emote. 

We were blessed by countless people who came forward to love and support us in this trial. I kept wishing Trevor could see all the expressions of love and appreciation others felt for him and for us, through him. My friend, Heidi, told me she's convinced he does know. She wrote, "After my mom died, I had a vision/visitation of her sitting next to me and telling me that the pain she went through was gone and that ALL was known - she was SO happy! I believe ALL is now known to Trevor, including the love people have expressed during the last week and the love and support you and family gave during his life." This was such a comforting thought to share!

The day after Trevor's death, our oldest son, Bryce, flew from Dallas to be with us. What a comfort and blessing his presence brought! Somehow, it made the grief more bearable. Plus, he was invaluable to us. He set to work on a photo slideshow to put up on the funeral home's obituary page. He scoured my phone and my computer for images. He must have asked John, as well, because he used an impressive photo of Trevor's bodybuilding physique (some wondered if it was AI).

I'm sure Bryce emphasized photos from his earlier years, happy years before the drug associations and drug use. He was our exuberant little boy, and we have many fond memories of those carefree days. It was a big help and huge blessing to have Bryce handle that important piece. He was also helpful during the necessary meetings. When we met with the funeral director, Bryce took notes. He compiled and sent us a file of things to do (it all would have disappeared from my consciousness quickly). He accompanied us to select and purchase a gravesite (near his grandmother's headstone). He, again, took notes throughout our meeting with the pastor, as we arranged the funeral service songs and order.

God brought me to the wonderful songs that we used for his service. I came across "Approach, My Soul," by John Newton, in the Sing Hymnal I received for Mother's Day. We printed this inside the memory folder passed out to those in attendance. The words emphasize our desperate need of God's salvation and His gift of eternal life: "Bowed down beneath a load of sin, by Satan sorely pressed, by wars without and fears within, I come to Thee for rest... guilty sinners such as I might plead Thy gracious name!"

We used "It is Well," by Horatio Spafford, to signal the start of the service. This hymn was written in great grief after the unexpected deaths of his four daughters in a shipwreck. Crossing the exact site of their drowning, Spafford penned words to affirm his deep trust in God amid inexplicable loss. For the condensed slideshow, we selected Casting Crowns' song, "Scars in Heaven." The lyrics gutted me: "If I had only known the last time would be the last time." "What I'd give for one more day with you." "I know you're in a place where all your wounds have been erased, and knowing yours are healed is healing mine."

"He Will Hold Me Fast" was supposed to play after the family reflections, but it came after the eulogy. I love these lyrics, as well: "When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path, for my love is often cold. He must hold me fast... He'll not let my soul be lost, his promises shall last. Bought by Him at such great cost, He will hold me fast." What a beautiful arrangement by Kristyn and Keith Getty! What a solid proclamation of God's unending grace!

I doubt people really took in the lyrics to the departing song, "Christ is Mine Forevermore." This was another one found in The Sing Hymnal with poignant lyrics: "Mine are days that God has numbered. I was made to walk with Him; yet, I look for worldly treasure and forsake the King of Kings... Christ has paid for every failing, I am His forevermore... Mine are tears in times of sorrow, darkness not yet understood. Through the valley I must travel where I see no earthly good... I know my pain will not be wasted."

My sister-in-law, Miriam, was a great help for the family fellowship prior to the funeral. As I said, I'm not a gifted hostess. I don't easily whip up meals on command, even on a normal day, let alone a stressful one. After Miriam arrived and set out a spread of desserts and drinks, she agreed to look over my outfit choices. We ended up running back to Kohl's to exchange a top for a smaller size (I tend to seek very roomy clothes). I so appreciated her time and attention to these needs.

The time together in our home with family was beneficial and comforting. We talked about old times and memories of Trevor. Thankfully, Bryce and Elizabeth ran to get a large quantity of Chik-fil-A, so meal needs were met and I was able to set out the spread of veggies and snacks I had purchased for the gathering. On one end of our table, all the engineers talked engineering and the other end rehashed stories and spoke of my youngest brother's architectural projects. Many family members did not arrive until late the night before the funeral and my brother Mark's family drove up from Kentucky for the day. We had family come in from many other corners: Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Blogger that I am, I wanted photos, but knew I'd be preoccupied and unable. My sister agreed to help. I'm sure it was uncomfortable trying to snap images in a room of grieving guests. She did an outstanding job, as evidenced by the photos accompanying this funeral recap post.

The hardest part was viewing his empty body. Trevor, of course, did not look like Trevor. He was not there. It was a vessel devoid of his spark and spirit. I could not have captured an image of his body. Dawn delicately snapped this shot:

We said our good-byes and let the grief wash over us. I told him, "I wanted more time!" Then, we allowed his girlfriend time to say her good-byes. 

Next, came a blur of greeting people who attended the visitation. A member of my BSF group came by briefly to bring flowers and give a hug. Four friends from the Women Forming Friendships in West Indy Facebook group came to offer comfort. Five of our friends drove all the way from Champaign-Urbana, IL. My college best friend, Anne, came all the way from Lombard, IL. I was sad that I only snagged a few moments with her as the press of people kept coming. Both Bryce's and Sean's friends came. Trevor had probably 7 or 8 friends from middle and high school years who came. A few of the girls in that group were kind enough to come express condolences. 

Trevor's 2nd grade teacher came up to tell me how sad she was because he had shown such great potential. Many individuals came from Pittsboro Baptist Church. Here are some images of family members who came:

I was blown away by Trevor's halfway house leader, Damien, who took an Uber all the way from Indianapolis to our little rural enclave. He had only known Trevor for less than two weeks (and knowing Trevor, he probably hadn't interacted much). We gave Damien a ride to the burial and learned that he, too, (like my husband) is from Champaign-Urbana.

Thanks to the funeral director's wife, you can view a video of the funeral here. After the condensed slideshow and a welcome, John's sister Martha read John's comments and shared some of her own memories of Trevor. I wasn't sure I'd make it through mine, but the humorous bits helped me stay composed.

The burial was a brief affair (good, since it was 95 degrees out) with prayer and committal. 

Then, Pittsboro Baptist Church provided a marvelous meal for family and friends. After the meal, my sister and brother-in-law treated many family members and Damien to ice cream at the local Dairy Bar. 

We got Damien into an Uber back to the halfway house and many descended back into our home for further fellowship. I relished time with Trevor's cousins. Now, the grief is truly descending and intensifying. 

Some may question my son's walk with God, because he used drugs. One even shared a prayer, "What joy it will be IF we get to heaven and discover Trevor is there.... We pray that Trevor in some way... [had] things straight with You [God] before this terrible occasion." I know my son's spiritual foundation was not built on what he did, but on what Christ did for him. I liken it to my mother's Alzheimer's. She raged and cursed. That was not my mother; it was her diseased brain. Drugs had altered Trevor's brain, rewiring to tell him drugs were his best solution to his pain. He responded physiologically, not spiritually. 

Every day, I wake with the realization that my son is no longer with us here on earth. I take comfort, because of his trust in Christ's atoning act on the cross, and believe we will be reunited one day in Heaven. Others may scoff and weep for his lost soul; I claim the atoning cross of Christ and His promise of eternal life. If you have not trusted in Christ, consider the gospel message (proclaimed in Trevor's funeral) and accept the free gift of eternal life. May Trevor, in death, reach more than we had hoped and prayed in life.

Book Review: His Redeeming Love

This is actually my second time reading through His Redeeming Love by Jonathan Edwards. The first time, I wasn't cataloguing my extra devotional reading. This year, I started writing reviews for those extra books I consume during my morning devotions (most from my own shelves). The book is part of the Life Messages of Great Christians series, published by Servant Publications. I loved how the acknowledgements highlighted the names of individuals who prayed for the compilation process. How cool is that?

The introduction to His Redeeming Love acknowledges that Edwards famously preached about sin and hell. However, it highlights his main message: "Though we sin and deserve divine retribution, God has provided a way of rescue through His Son, Jesus Christ. If we accept God's free gift of salvation [emphasis mine], we not only escape punishment, we receive everlasting life in heaven." Each day's reading provides a thought for the day, a passage of scripture, and insights from Edwards, as gleaned from his books or sermons. This is followed by questions to consider and a prayer to offer.

I felt especially convicted on Day 18, "Blessed are the Meek." Edwards speaks of the person who feels the injuries of others intensely (a struggle for me). To this, he asks several questions. "[Are] the injuries you have received from others... more than you have inflicted on God?... Do you not hope that God will continue to bear with you in your shortcomings as He has in the past, and that in spite of everything, He will exercise toward you His infinite love and favor?" Finally, he asks, of course, if God can be long-suffering, why can't you? I admit I struggle. I want to do better, but often revert to protecting myself rather than enduring.

The final section of the book (and the part I remembered most) lists Jonathan Edwards' 70 resolutions. Many of them feel redundant, simply worded in similar ways. But, they are excellent goals. Resolve to live with all might, as if it was your last hour. When you see sin in others, recognize it in yourself and repent. Never speak ill of others in a dishonoring way, only for their good. Study God's Word. Make peace. Be honest. Make nightly, weekly, monthly, and yearly reflections. Live to have no regrets. Imitate what is praiseworthy. Here's one I need: Instead of fearing misfortunes, focus only on duty, reviewing the benefits of your previous afflictions. Speak benevolently and cheerfully. I would love to have the passion and devotion of the great revivalists Jonathan Edwards or George Whitefield.

Book Review: Now and Forever

I tend to avoid science fiction books. Indeed, I'm pretty sure I picked this up on a 30-second jaunt into the library to find an audio book for car rides. Ray Bradbury comes at the start of the alphabet. Thus, I attempted this short book, Now and Forever, containing two novellas. While it did kill time for me, it wasn't as entertaining or as thought-provoking as Fahrenheit 451, by any means.

I enjoyed the first novella, "Somewhere a Band is Playing." This story, of a man compelled to jump off a train to explore a strange town, held a certain amount of intrigue. However, I soured on the second novella, "Leviathan '99," a science-fiction version of Moby Dick. In my younger years, I found Melville's Moby Dick tiresome. This one was even more so. It was not "spellbinding," nor was I "entranced," as the back cover promised. Oh, well, sometimes you venture into foreign territory to a pleasant surprise. Other times, you realize you should stick to what interests you.

Book Review: Pocket Bear

I was knee-deep in viewing war scenes in Masterpiece Theater's All Creatures Great & Small, when I came across this book by Katherine Applegate (author of Crenshaw and The One and Only Ivan). Pocket Bear tells the story of a small bear created as a lucky token for a soldier to take into battle. Pocket bears were made with upturned eyes, so that it appeared they were looking up at, and out for, their owners. I had never heard of these bears, nor did I know the history of the teddy bear.

Most toys at the Second Chances for the Tossed and Treasured are rescued by the sneaky, theiving cat, Zephyrina. They receive care from a Ukranian mother-daughter team intent on placing the stuffed animals back into loving hands. Of course, Picky Vicky hovers on the horizon, hoping to snatch any that might be worth a fair price. She will go to any lengths to get her hands on the valuable ones. Can the toys and the cat work together to get the bears where they belong? I'm sure this book has been selected for read-alouds in classroom settings. I abandoned The One and Only Ivan, yet stuck it out through this book. While the information about bears was interesting, it was still not my favorite.