Friday, 14 August 2026 03:25 PM
Advertorial
Judgy Wudgy was a Bear eases back to school fears with light humor and memorable characters that reinforce the value of kindness in making new friends and being a good friend.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 14, 2026 / New classrooms bring new opportunities, but for children ages 3 to 6, they can also bring social worries about fitting in and making friends.
Judgy Wudgy was a Bear, a new illustrated children's book by former New York City teacher E.D. Harris, gives families and educators a way to reinforce that message through the story of a grouchy bear, a cast of memorable characters and a simple lesson: kindness is the key to healthy friendships.
Written and illustrated by Harris, the book was shaped through a mother and son collaboration. Her son, David M. Harris, was fifteen when he coauthored the story concept and thematic development. Together, they combined an educator's understanding of early childhood with a teenager's fresh perspective on friendship, judgment and belonging.
The story follows Judgy Wudgy, a bear who always has something unkind to say. He criticizes Foxy Roxy, Kitty Cat and the Bouncy Birds without considering how his words make them feel. Only when Judgy finds himself standing alone does he begin to recognize the cost of pushing others away.
Then Foxy Roxy gives him a second chance, telling him all he needs to do is be kind.
"Children understand what it feels like to be judged, excluded or worried about making friends," said Harris. "Judgy Wudgy was a Bear gives families and educators a lighthearted way to talk about those feelings and reinforce the value of being kind."
Designed for children ages 3 to 6, Judgy Wudgy was a Bear brings social-emotional learning into story time without turning the experience into a lecture. Its light humor and memorable characters encourage conversations about kindness, empathy and compassion.
A discussion guide for parents and teachers helps extend those conversations beyond the final page, making the book suitable for family reading, classroom read alouds and early childhood learning environments.
Judgy Wudgy was a Bear is the first title in the Judgy Wudgy series. It is available through the author's website, www.EDHarrisBooks.com, Amazon, Apple Books, BookBaby and eReaders.
About E.D. Harris
E.D. Harris is an author, former New York City educator and founder of E.D. Harris Books. She holds a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Spanish, a master's degree in education and an MFA in early childhood literacy. She also studied at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College.
E.D. Harris Books creates stories centered on social-emotional learning and the human experience, helping readers recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Media Contact
Evelyn Harris
E.D. Harris Books
[email protected]
www.EDHarrisBooks.com
Instagram: @edharrisbooks
SOURCE: EDHarrisBooks