What if a bear could not find a cave in which to hibernate?  Would that throw off the whole supposed-to-happen scenario?

Pondering the question, Vince Scarlata created his latest literay hero, Bella, the black bear who goes on a search for a cave. With his long-time illustrator, Pegi Ballenger, the book comes alive for the imagination of children.

The collaboration of the two Teller Coumty residents tells the story in words and photos of the bear’s journey through the woods trying to locate a cave. Whether she knows it or not, the bear is trying to fulfill her duty to hibernate during the long winter months.

“We work well together; we both love animals,”Ballenger said.

In writing the story, Scarlata writes from the perspective of a kid.

“I think about what they want to hear,” he said.

The woods are a key part of the story, especially for children in Teller County.

“Pegi has an appreciation for nature,” Scarlata said.

Ballenger, whose work for the book is in pastels, displayed her works in Ralph Hollway’s Seven Arrows Gallery, which led the founder’s movement to involve children in art. 

“I taught classes there,” Ballenger said.

In his other life, Scarlata is the volunteer executive director of the nonprofit, Help the Needy/Hope Lives Here. He is also a silversmith,.

“Bella: the Lost Momma Bear,” is available for $10,95 at Amazon..com.