Will Hobb's Picture Books Books in Order

Will Hobbs wrote two picture books, both illustrated by Jill Kastner, that bring his love of wild places to younger readers. They are not a continuing story with the same cast, but they share a clear family resemblance: animals, danger in the natural world, and a young character finding courage when familiar ground disappears.

Beardream is connected in spirit to Hobbs's Bearstone novels. It takes place when spring reaches the mountains and the bears emerge from their dens, except for one Great Bear who remains caught in sleep. A village boy known as Short Tail worries that the bear will not wake in time to survive.

Short Tail goes up the mountain to look for him.

What follows is a dreamlike story about a boy and a bear, with a gentle sense of mystery rather than the longer, tougher survival action found in the novels. The book was inspired by the idea that Ute people learned the Bear Dance from bears. It is best approached as a fictional picture-book story that shares a connection with that tradition, not as a full explanation of Ute culture.

Howling Hill is a companion to Far North. Its main character is Hanni, a wolf pup playing near a river with her pack when she is swept away downstream while clinging to a log. Suddenly alone, she must face cold water, a dangerous waterfall, and a huge snowy landscape while trying to find her way home.

It is a small-scale survival tale with big feelings. Hanni's inability to howl becomes part of the challenge, and a bear that cannot settle into hibernation offers unexpected help. The story keeps the danger real enough to create suspense, while giving young readers a reassuring path through fear, persistence, and reunion.

Both books make wilderness feel alive without making it seem tame. The mountains, river, snow, and animals have their own rhythms, and the characters have to pay attention. Kastner's illustrations help make the landscapes and animal movement central to the experience.

Readers can enjoy the books in either order. Choose Beardream for a warmer, more magical mountain story with bears and dreams. Choose Howling Hill for a wintry wolf adventure with a clear journey home. Older readers who want more from the same settings can then try the related novels, Bearstone and Far North.

They are short books, but they take their young heroes seriously.