Inspired by the classic folk song “Michael Finnegan,” Bubby and Finnegan is a heartwarming adventure about friendship, gratitude, and learning what truly matters.

Michael Finnegan lives in a frozen land where winter lasts nearly the entire year, leaving only one precious week to catch enough fish to survive. Proud of his magnificent beard and accompanied by his loyal best friend, a giant black bear named Bubby, Michael sets out for the lake determined to bring home the catch of a lifetime.

But when greed gets the better of him and a powerful storm rolls in, Michael loses far more than his fish. Swept into a magical disaster that leaves him frightened, humbled, and without his treasured beard, Michael returns home heartbroken.

Then, in the middle of the night, a knock at the door changes everything.

Filled with humor, imagination, folklore-inspired charm, and memorable characters, Bubby and Finnegan is a delightful picture book adventure about friendship, second chances, and discovering that the greatest treasures in life are often the people — and bears — who stand beside us.

About the Author

Michael Weisberg was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, including mountains, rivers, snow, and forests. A physician for more than forty years and a storyteller for even longer, he has written numerous short stories, two novels, and a true-crime thriller.

Michael is married and has three grown children who grew up listening to his stories at home and around campfires. He also enjoys spending time outdoors with his five-year-old Aussie Labradoodle, Piper, exploring nature and chasing rabbits, squirrels, ducks, and geese — though thankfully never catching them.

Jeni Tomlinson is a Texas painter and lover of all things whimsical. Her books are about fairies, bears wearing boots and happy dogs who love science. You will often see her looking at the clouds in wonder and teaching children art in the most silly ways. You may find her work at www.jenitomlinsonstudios.com