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Bear Grylls Books in Order

This page shows Bear Grylls books in order, with quick summaries, series guides, and simple advice on where to start with his memoirs, thrillers, and kids' adventures.

Last updated: June 11, 2026

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81 books

Facing Up / The Kid Who Climbed Everest

by Bear Grylls

2000

This is Bear's account of climbing Everest at twenty-three, only a short time after breaking his back. It follows the money hunt, the setbacks, and the brutal climb to the summit.

Facing the Frozen Ocean

by Bear Grylls

2004

Bear recounts the attempt to cross the North Atlantic in a tiny open boat. Ice, storms, exhaustion, and fear make it a gripping story of teamwork and endurance.

Born Survivor

by Bear Grylls

2007

Written alongside Bear's television adventures, this book revisits extreme environments and the skills needed to get through them. It is fast-moving, practical, and built around real expedition experience.

Gold of the Gods

by Bear Grylls

2008

Teen survival prodigy Beck Granger is stranded in the Colombian jungle with almost nothing. To get out alive, he has to beat hunger, wildlife, and a landscape that keeps closing in.

Great Outdoor Adventures

by Bear Grylls

2008

A lively guide to outdoor challenges, activities, and skills for readers who want to do more outside. Bear's focus is on confidence, curiosity, and learning by getting stuck in.

Man vs. Wild

by Bear Grylls

2008

This companion book carries Bear's on-screen survival style onto the page, with stories, techniques, and tough environments from his adventures. It blends entertainment with practical survival know-how.

Living Wild

by Bear Grylls

2009

Bear invites readers outdoors with practical advice on bushcraft, confidence, and making the most of wild places. It is about learning skills, noticing nature, and living a little more adventurously.

Sands of the Scorpion

by Bear Grylls

2009

Beck is forced out of a smugglers' plane over the Sahara and dropped into a deadly sea of sand. Heat, thirst, and ruthless men make every mile a fight.

Way of the Wolf

by Bear Grylls

2009

After a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, Beck has to cross frozen mountains for help. The cold is brutal, and a hungry wolf is not far behind.

With Love, Papa

by Bear Grylls

2009

A gentle, personal book of encouragement from Bear as a father. It reflects on love, family, courage, and the values he hopes to pass on to his children.

Tracks of the Tiger

by Bear Grylls

2010

A volcano eruption turns Beck's holiday into a desperate escape through the Indonesian jungle. Lava, falling rock, and tiger country leave him almost nowhere safe to run.

Mud, Sweat, and Tears

by Bear Grylls

2011

Bear looks back on childhood, the SAS, a parachuting crash that broke his back, and the adventures that made him famous. It is the straight-talking story behind the public image.

A Survival Guide for Life

by Bear Grylls

2012

Bear takes lessons from the wild and applies them to work, relationships, setbacks, and personal growth. It is a self-help book built around courage, goals, teamwork, and staying steady under pressure.

Extreme Survivors

by Bear Grylls

2012

A collection of real-life survival stories, from disasters to wilderness ordeals, told for younger readers. Bear highlights the courage, choices, and luck that can make the difference between life and death.

To My Sons

by Bear Grylls

2012

Written as a father's letter to his boys, this book gathers Bear's thoughts on courage, love, failure, faith, and what matters most. It is personal, direct, and much quieter than his TV persona.

Claws of the Crocodile

by Bear Grylls

2013

A clue draws Beck to northern Australia, where the search leads deep into the Outback. Crocodiles, storms, and dangerous enemies bring him closer to the truth about his parents.

Climbing Everest

by Bear Grylls

2013

Bear tells the story of recovering from a broken back and pushing toward the summit of Everest at twenty-three. It is a firsthand account of risk, fear, endurance, and stubborn belief.

Strike of the Shark

by Bear Grylls

2013

When Beck is shipwrecked far from shore, survival becomes only the first problem. Someone may have arranged the sinking, and the sharks are only the most obvious threat.

True Grit

by Bear Grylls

2013

Bear retells real stories of explorers, soldiers, and survivors who kept going through the worst conditions imaginable. The book is less about comfort than about what endurance really looks like.

Extreme Food

by Bear Grylls

2014

Bear explores the strange, risky, and sometimes revolting things people eat around the world and in survival situations. It is part gross-out fun, part lesson in what hunger can make possible.

Rage of the Rhino

by Bear Grylls

2014

An invitation to help fight rhino poaching in South Africa turns into one of Beck's most dangerous missions. Poachers, wild animals, and people hunting Beck himself keep the pressure high.

Your Life - Train for It

by Bear Grylls

2014

Bear uses stories from adventure and hardship to talk about discipline, character, and preparing for life's challenges. It is a compact motivational guide for readers who want to build grit on purpose.

Fuel for Life

by Bear Grylls

2015

Bear shares short lessons on courage, purpose, faith, and staying strong when life feels rough. It is a motivational read built from the mindset that has carried him through hard places.

Ghost Flight

by Bear Grylls

2015

Former soldier Will Jaeger is drawn into an Amazon search for a long-lost plane and the secret cargo it carried. The mission becomes a race through hostile jungle against enemies who want the past buried.

Lair of the Leopard

by Bear Grylls

2015

Stranded on a Himalayan mountainside, Beck has to survive height, cold, flash floods, and animal attacks. This time, the trail may also lead him to the people behind his parents' deaths.

Bear Grylls Sticker Activity: Animal Detective

by Bear Grylls

2016

A hands-on activity book that turns animal clues, tracks, and habitats into puzzles, stickers, and simple facts. It is built for younger readers who like wildlife and solving things.

Bear Grylls Sticker Activity: Dangerous Animals

by Bear Grylls

2016

This sticker activity book introduces some of the world's most formidable animals through games, facts, and puzzles. It keeps the tone fun while feeding curiosity about the wild.

Extreme Planet

by Bear Grylls

2016

A lively tour of the strangest and most extreme places, foods, records, and facts on Earth. Bear turns the planet's roughest edges into a fast, funny, fact-packed adventure.

Mission Dragon

by Bear Grylls

2016

Shipwrecked in the South China Sea, Beck and Ju-Long wash up on a remote island with their injured friend Jian. Food, water, and giant predatory lizards make survival brutally urgent.

Mission Jaguar

by Bear Grylls

2016

Beck finally has a lead on his missing sister, Dian, and follows it into the Guatemalan jungle. Caves, waterfalls, and jaguars stand between him and answers he has wanted for years.

Mission Raptor

by Bear Grylls

2016

Beck heads north of the Arctic Circle and finds himself trapped between a brutal winter and human enemies closing in. The frozen landscape is deadly enough before the pursuit truly begins.

Mission Typhoon

by Bear Grylls

2016

Beck leads a jungle expedition in China, but a violent storm leaves the group stranded on a crumbling ledge. Cut off with Ju-Long, he must fight through floodwater, jungle, and venomous threats to save them.

Spirit of the Jungle

by Bear Grylls

2016

After a flash flood sweeps him down the Wainganga River, Mak wakes up alone in the Indian jungle. To get home, he has to outlast snakes, poachers, and the jungle's constant pressure.

Survival Camp

by Bear Grylls

2016

This large illustrated manual teaches young readers how to handle different terrains, weather, and wildlife. It mixes big-picture survival basics with approachable tips on shelter, water, food, and safety.

Burning Angels

by Bear Grylls

2017

Will Jaeger is pulled into a violent mission where remote terrain, ruthless enemies, and buried secrets collide. The farther he goes, the more personal and dangerous the hunt becomes.

Dangerous Animals

by Bear Grylls

2017

Bear introduces the animals that demand caution in the wild and explains how to avoid trouble. It is about awareness and smart behavior, not bravado.

Dangerous Plants

by Bear Grylls

2017

A short guide to the plants that can sting, poison, or injure careless explorers. It teaches young readers what to watch for and when not to touch.

Dangers and Emergencies

by Bear Grylls

2017

This handbook helps young readers think clearly when something goes wrong outdoors. It covers common risks, quick responses, and the calm decisions that matter in a crisis.

Epic Expeditions

by Bear Grylls

2017

Bear retells some of history's most famous journeys, from polar races to African exploration, and adds one of his own. It is an accessible, adventure-led look at how explorers pushed into the unknown.

First Aid

by Bear Grylls

2017

Bear covers the basics of treating injuries outdoors, from cuts and burns to sprains and shock. The focus is on calm, clear action when help is not immediately nearby.

Hiking

by Bear Grylls

2017

A practical guide to planning walks, packing well, reading the ground, and staying safe on the trail. It is aimed at young hikers who want confidence outdoors.

How to Stay Alive

by Bear Grylls

2017

A practical survival guide that moves from wilderness emergencies to everyday threats. Bear focuses on preparation, mindset, and the simple actions that improve your odds when things go wrong.

Knots

by Bear Grylls

2017

A simple, illustrated guide to tying useful knots for camp, climbing, and emergencies. Bear shows why the right knot can make outdoor life safer and easier.

Return to the Jungle

by Bear Grylls

2017

Mak returns to the Wainganga River and follows poachers into the jungle after a young elephant is taken. Saving the animal means relying on courage, quick thinking, and hard-won survival skills.

Shelter Building

by Bear Grylls

2017

An illustrated handbook on choosing a safe site and building shelter with what you have. Bear keeps the lessons practical, so younger readers can understand the basics quickly.

Signalling

by Bear Grylls

2017

A clear introduction to calling for help and being seen when you are in trouble. It covers visual signals, sound, location, and the simple steps that can save time in a rescue.

The Blizzard Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

A strange compass drops Olly onto a glacier with Bear Grylls as his guide. To get home, he has to cross ice, face a blizzard, and learn the value of teamwork.

The Desert Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

Sophie loves camp, but insects terrify her. In a scorching desert full of spiders, scorpions, and snakes, Bear helps her face the things she most wants to run from.

The Earthquake Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

Fatima is frightened of the dark, then finds herself in a ruined city with the power out and aftershocks still hitting. Bear helps her stay calm and move through the chaos.

The Jungle Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

Omar wants to win everything, fast. In a dense rainforest of snakes, spiders, and crocodile-filled water, Bear teaches him that rushing ahead can be its own kind of danger.

The River Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

Jack loves the outdoors, except for getting wet. In a river gorge full of rapids and hazards, Bear forces him to face the one thing he would rather avoid.

The Sea Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

Chloe thinks one bit of rubbish does not matter, until she is stranded on a wild coast. Bear guides her through tides, quicksand, and marine dangers while showing why respect for nature matters.

The Volcano Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2017

Charlie is glued to video games, but real danger arrives fast on the side of an active volcano. With lava and flying rock on the move, Bear keeps him focused on the next smart step.

Tracking

by Bear Grylls

2017

Bear introduces the basics of following signs in the wild, from footprints to broken plants and other small clues. It is a short guide to observation, patience, and fieldcraft.

Weather Watching

by Bear Grylls

2017

This pocket guide shows young readers how to read clouds, wind, and shifting conditions before trouble arrives. Bear turns weather into something to notice, not ignore.

Bear Grylls

by Bear Grylls

2018

Will Jaeger is thrown back into action when stolen uranium points to a devastating new threat. To stop a global disaster, he has to outmaneuver old enemies before his family pays the price.

Desert

by Bear Grylls

2018

Bear takes young readers through the basics of desert survival, from finding shade and water to handling extreme heat. It is a quick, useful guide to a very unforgiving landscape.

Mountains

by Bear Grylls

2018

This handbook breaks mountain survival into clear essentials, from route choices and weather to shelter and staying calm at height. It is short, direct, and full of practical tips.

Polar

by Bear Grylls

2018

This compact guide explains how to stay warm, spot danger, and survive in icy, exposed conditions. It is built around practical advice for cold climates and snowbound terrain.

Rainforest

by Bear Grylls

2018

A kid-friendly guide to rainforest survival, covering heat, insects, water, shelter, and hidden dangers. Bear explains how to move safely through one of the world's toughest environments.

The Cave Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2018

Harry cares far too much about staying clean and looking good. Deep inside a cave system full of drops, bats, and tight squeezes, Bear makes him rethink what really matters.

The Mountain Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2018

Lily is a good team player, but she rarely speaks up for herself. High on a mountain, she and Bear must plan a safe way down through thin air, steep drops, and falling rock.

The Safari Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2018

Evie is up for adventure, but she is painfully fussy about food. On a dry, dangerous safari, Bear teaches her that survival sometimes means eating what is available, not what is appealing.

Bear Grylls Sticker Activity: Desert

by Bear Grylls

2019

A bright activity book packed with stickers, puzzles, and facts about desert wildlife and survival. It is an easy way for younger readers to explore a harsh environment.

Bear Grylls Sticker Activity: Mountains

by Bear Grylls

2019

A mountain-themed sticker book full of activities, wildlife facts, and outdoor fun. It gives younger readers a playful introduction to high places and rugged terrain.

Bear Grylls Sticker Activity: Rainforest

by Bear Grylls

2019

This activity book uses stickers and puzzles to explore rainforest animals, plants, and survival facts. It is light, visual, and made for younger adventure fans.

Bear Grylls' Survival Stories

by Bear Grylls

2019

Bear introduces real accounts of people who lived through extraordinary near-death situations. The focus is on firsthand survival, quick thinking, and the thin line between panic and endurance.

Extreme Environments

by Bear Grylls

2019

An illustrated guide to surviving deserts, rainforests, mountains, polar regions, and the open ocean. It shows how shelter, water, food, and risk change from one landscape to the next.

Nutrition

by Bear Grylls

2019

A short guide to food, fuel, and hydration for active young explorers. Bear explains how eating and drinking well helps you think clearly and stay strong outdoors.

Soul Fuel

by Bear Grylls

2019

A year-long devotional that pairs Bear's adventures and setbacks with reflections on faith, hope, courage, and peace. It is personal, steady, and designed for short daily reading.

Summer

by Bear Grylls

2019

A short survival handbook for warmer weather, covering heat, hydration, sun, and outdoor safety. Bear keeps the advice simple, practical, and easy for younger readers to use.

The Arctic Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2019

Joe loves exploring, but getting lost is his weak spot. In the Arctic tundra, he and Bear must navigate ice, freezing weather, and a landscape where every direction looks the same.

The Sailing Challenge

by Bear Grylls

2019

Mia likes being in charge, until a sailing adventure goes badly wrong. Out on open water, Bear shows her that good leadership depends on teamwork as much as confidence.

Winter

by Bear Grylls

2019

Bear explains how to prepare for cold-weather adventures, avoid hypothermia, and stay warm when conditions turn rough. It is a clear, step-by-step guide for young explorers.

Soul Fuel for Young Explorers

by Bear Grylls

2021

Bear mixes stories from his own adventures with short Bible reflections for young readers. It is built as an encouraging devotional about courage, faith, friendship, and not giving up.

Mind Fuel

by Bear Grylls

2022

This daily-read guide turns Bear's survival lessons into practical advice for ordinary life. It focuses on resilience, courage, stress, motivation, and the small habits that help people keep going.

Never Give Up: My Life in the Wild

by Bear Grylls

2022

In this later memoir, Bear revisits major expeditions, television shoots, and the personal lessons behind them. It is more reflective than his first autobiography, but just as full of action.

Do Your Best: How to be a Scout

by Bear Grylls

2023

Bear packages scouting skills, outdoor know-how, teamwork, and service into an accessible guide for young readers. It is as much about attitude and character as knots and campcraft.

You Vs the World

by Bear Grylls

2023

A motivational guide for younger readers about confidence, resilience, and keeping going when life feels hard. Bear writes in a direct, encouraging voice that turns big ideas into manageable steps.

Mind Fuel for Young Explorers

by Bear Grylls

2024

This illustrated guide adapts Bear's resilience lessons for children and younger teens. It covers stress, courage, motivation, self-care, and confidence in a practical, encouraging way.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

by Bear Grylls

2025

Bear retells the life of Jesus as a vivid narrative seen through eyewitness voices. It aims to bring a familiar story closer, more immediate, and easier to step inside.

Where should I start?

If you want the real-life story first: Facing Up / The Kid Who Climbed EverestMud, Sweat, and TearsNever Give Up
If you want practical life lessons: A Survival Guide for LifeTrue GritMind Fuel
If you want Beck Granger's survival fiction: Gold of the GodsWay of the WolfSands of the ScorpionTracks of the Tiger
If you want younger, illustrated adventures: The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea Challenge
If you want adult action thrillers: Ghost FlightBurning Angels

Author bio

Bear Grylls was born Edward Michael Grylls in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, in 1974, and grew up on the Isle of Wight. The nickname came early, given to him by his older sister when he was still a baby, and it stuck. His father taught him to sail and climb, so the outdoors was never some distant dream. It was just part of everyday life.

He was the sort of kid who wanted to be moving. At Eton he helped start the school's first mountaineering club, and outside school he threw himself into climbing, sailing, martial arts, and skydiving. He later completed a degree in Hispanic studies while studying part-time, but by then the shape of his life was already pretty clear.

Adventure arrived early.

Before television made him famous, he spent three years as a trooper with 21 SAS. Then came the accident that could have ended everything. During a free-fall parachuting jump in southern Africa, he broke his back in three places. Recovery was long and painful, but it became one of the turning points of his life.

Two years later, at twenty-three, he climbed Everest.

That ascent gave him his first major book, Facing Up, also published as The Kid Who Climbed Everest. It set the pattern for a lot of what followed. Bear writes best when he is close to pressure, fear, and real stakes, and when he can show readers not just what happened, but what it felt like to keep going.

A much wider audience found him through television, especially Man vs. Wild and later Running Wild with Bear Grylls. But the books have always been a big part of the story too. Mud, Sweat, and Tears told his life story in a more personal way, while Facing the Frozen Ocean and A Survival Guide for Life showed the mix that readers still come to him for: hard experience, plain talk, and a strong belief that courage is usually built a day at a time.

He has also written a lot for younger readers. Series like Mission Survival, Bear Grylls Adventures, and his Jungle Book novels give kids fast-moving stories with real survival detail tucked inside. They are adventure books, but they are also about teamwork, self-control, and learning not to panic when things go wrong.

That mix carries into the rest of his work as well. In the Will Jaeger thrillers, including Ghost Flight and Burning Angels, he moves into adult action fiction. In books like Soul Fuel and Mind Fuel, he turns more reflective, writing about faith, resilience, mental health, and the habits that help people stay steady under pressure. Different shelf, same basic question: how do you keep going when life gets hard?

Away from the cameras, he is married to Shara Cannings Knight and they have three sons. He has often written and spoken about family as the thing that keeps him grounded, even when the public image is all cliffs, storms, and helicopters. He has also spent years involved in Scouting, which makes sense. A lot of his work, on screen and on the page, comes back to the same simple idea: get outside, learn useful things, look after the people around you, and don't quit too soon.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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All 81 Bear Grylls Books in Order (Complete List 2026)