About Santiago and Great Bear
SANTIAGO AND GREAT BEAR tells the story of Santiago, a city boy who feels lonely after moving to the countryside. At the sight of the only constellation he knows, Santiago wishes for a new friend. When he is losing hope his wish will ever come true, Great Bear falls from the sky. But this new friend can’t stay forever.
In this beautiful tale of friendship and silver linings, debut author-illustrator Lisa Johnston Hancock uses a calming palette, that perfectly matches the sparse text. The story also includes an informational component, in which the phases of the moon are explored through illustrations. Back matter is included to further examine constellations, specifically Ursa Major, also known as The Great Bear and the use of stars for navigational purposes. When Great Bear arrives, Santiago shows kindness and responsible decision making by helping him return to the sky. Santiago’s relationship with Great Bear later gives him the confidence to talk to Mia, his new best friend at the end of the book, blending SEL and STEM themes in a heartwarming, socially relevant way. Readers learn about the beginnings and endings of moon phases, and friendships.
Q & A
How did the idea for your book originate?
After I had my first child, I started researching wildlife and exhibiting fine art watercolor paintings in 2013. As a small child, my daughter became interested in the sky and the constellations that were represented through animals. We searched for them in the sky and checked out picture books from the library. I found that it was difficult for me to find picture books about constellations that had a storyline. Most of the books that we found were nonfiction/informational. I set out to invent a fictional story that I could share with children, while teaching them about constellations, lunar phases and the natural world.
What is the overall message of the book?
Moving to a new place is not easy, especially for children. It can be lonely and disorienting. This is coming from someone who tends to be an introvert. When given the opportunity, step out of your comfort zone. Santiago moved away from the city to an area with little to no light pollution. He took an interest in something new, moon phases and constellations, and ended up making a friend who shared the same interests. It may be difficult but try new things, learn something new and you might meet some interesting people (or animals) along the way.
What does your book accomplish? What is its purpose?
I hope families are inspired to get away from city lights and explore the natural world. I want this book to inspire kids (and parents) to look up at the sky. Kids can keep a moon journal, to chart the phases of the moon, to discover what constellations are available to see at certain times during the moon phases. I have a couple ideas for activities that teachers and parents can do with children, to spark an interest in the sky.
Santiago and Great Bear is available for pre-order as a hardcopy and ebook here and will publish with Free Spirit, on June 30, 2026.
Look for activity pages to pair with Santiago and Great Bear, coming soon!
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Lisa Johnston Hancock 
