Sometimes the most powerful stories come from the quiet corners of everyday life. That’s exactly what readers find in My Mother, The Bipolar Bear by Nancy Earley. A gentle, emotional, and deeply honest look at what it’s like for a child to grow up with a parent who has bipolar disorder. The book continues to resonate with families, educators, and anyone who understands the complexities of loving someone with a mental-health condition.

The story is told through the eyes of a seven-year-old “cub,” who shares the confusing moments, the heartbreak, and the determination it takes to navigate a mother’s unpredictable moods. But it is also a story full of light. When the cub finally gathers the courage to express his feelings, he and his mother discover new ways to understand each other, proof that even in difficult circumstances, love finds creative ways to shine through.

In many ways, Nancy wrote the book she needed when she was young. She has faced stigma her entire life, from classmates teasing her about her mother’s institutionalization in a state mental hospital to the challenge of helping people today understand what bipolar disorder truly is: a medical condition rooted in brain chemistry, not a character flaw. Despite the challenges, she has always believed in the beauty and strength that can exist alongside the illness. These days, Nancy enjoys her weekends dancing and singing with her three-year-old granddaughter, Hattie, a bright little gift from her grown “cub,” Michael, and his wife Macauley.

The book itself was born during a moment of emotional overwhelm. After carrying the idea in her mind for fifteen years, Nancy wrote and illustrated the entire story in her car in just fifty-one minutes. She was exhausted, emotional, and afraid of falling behind in school. But when she shared her idea with Professor Janet Clark of Northern Essex Community College and Cheryl Wilson, a Learning Accommodations Coach and friend, they refused to let her give up, even when she felt she was “coming off the rails.” Their encouragement helped her finish what she started, turning a moment of despair into something beautiful.

At the heart of the book is a message Nancy hopes every family can hold onto: bipolar disorder is challenging, but it doesn’t define a person or a family’s happiness. Children can learn to read emotional “signals,” practice patience and support, and still experience a joyful, loving home. It is also a reminder of something Nancy deeply believes:

“Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8

My Mother, The Bipolar Bear remains available for parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone searching for a compassionate and child-friendly way to talk about mental health and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and other online retailers.

Global Book Network - Nancy Earley, Author of My Mother, The Bipolar Bear

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