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Price

Free

Event date and time

Monday 17 Aug 2026

Location

Click here to register to be provided with the link to view. Teacher Notes will also be available for download.

Bear to the Rescue book cover

Have you ever been told you're "too much"?

This National Science Week, join us to hear authors Romane Cristescu and Nic Gill read their book, Bear to the Rescue – with a special guest appearance from Bear himself!

The true story follows Bear, a high-energy dog who never seems to fit in. Full of enthusiasm and always on the go, Bear is often told he's "too much" – until he discovers a job that is just right for him.

When devastating bushfires sweep through the forest, Bear and his team must act fast to help locate koalas and support wildlife rescue efforts. Along the way, Bear learns that the qualities that once got him into trouble are exactly what make him extraordinary.

About Bear to the Rescue

Based on the real-life story of Bear, one of Australia's best-known conservation detection dogs, this heartwarming picture book celebrates science, teamwork and the idea that everyone has unique strengths to offer.

Trained to locate koalas using his remarkable sense of smell, Bear has helped researchers, wildlife carers and conservation teams find and protect wildlife across Australia. During the Black Summer bushfires, he played an important role in locating surviving koalas in fire-affected areas, helping wildlife teams provide urgent care and support.

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.

Pricing

  • Free

Dates and Times

Event date: Aug 2026

Monday 17 Aug 2026

Click here to register to be provided with the link to view. Teacher Notes will also be available for download.

Contact

Lizzie Duthie

More information

Storytime is one of CSIRO's most popular National Science Week events, so we are doing it a little differently again this year to make it accessible to more people around Australia.

The reading of Bear to the Rescue will be pre-recorded and the link to view will be made available to people who have registered from Monday 17 August 2026. The link will remain available throughout National Science Week, allowing you to watch at a time and place convenient to you.

Details

Recording available from: Monday 17 August 2026

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.