} | Madykazoo

Cartoon book cover of a panda bear getting its nails painted neon colors

Role: BEAR is the gentle giant of the Madykazoo & Me gaggle, introducing readers to the continent’s wondrous food sources. Loyal sidekick to OS, it is often coaxed into mischief, yet in moments of peril its great size and strength transform it into an unlikely hero.Description/Unique Distinct Features: This abandoned Asian panda bear cub has typical black and white markings. It was born with SIX nails on each paw (later painted bright neon colors). BEAR is nose-holding stinky—and, three pesty bees are its constant companion.

Cartoon of a baby panda bear being rescued from bamboo forest

Cartoon of panda bear curled up in the corner of its cage, with 3 pesky bees buzzing around its head

Cartoon of panda bear extending its arm, showing six claws that are being painted by a ranger

Cartoon of a happy panda bear breaking the bamboo fence as it rolls free from its cage

Cartoon of a panda bear at the edge of a forest looking at a sparkling blue pond in the distance

Cartoon of a panda bear making a big splash as it jumps into the pond

Cartoon of a panda bear with its three pesky bees, taking a bath in the pond

Cartoon of panda bear eating berries, apples and other fruit while a honey comb is dripping down a nearby boulder

Cartoon of panda bear and its three pesky bees, looking across the pond at a kangaroo, who has a turtle head sticking out of its pouch, and a penguin riding on the back of an ostrich

No one thought the new cub would survive its first night. It arrived battered and bruised, its fur matted with sorrow, and a curious stink that lingered even after a bath and a vigorous tooth-brushing. Other bears rejected and abandoned it in the bamboo forest. With its companion bees buzzing, BEAR curled into the corner of its pen, not eating, unmoving, hiding its paws—until one day, a ranger sat nearby painting her nails in bright, enchanted neon colors. The scent wafted through the air like a spell. BEAR stirred. The ranger, sensing BEAR’s interest, noticed the unusual six claws on each paw, and painted all six claws bright neon colors. BEAR squealed with delight, grew round with joy, and rolled its hulky body straight through its cage and outer fence--in to a forest. BEAR noticed a shimmering pond in the distance. Always hungry, and now curious, off BEAR went in search of food. After a swim (bath!) and finding plenty of yummy food, BEAR heard rustling from across the pond. It stood up and blinked twice, puzzled by the site of a peculiar parade. There, gliding away from the pond down a mossy path like a vision on stilts, was an ostrich — and perched atop its feathery back, a freckled penguin! Following further behind the ostrich was a big-footed kangaroo, with a sparkling pouch, that had a little face peeping out.Without a single growl or hesitation, BEAR slowly followed, drawn by something deeper than curiosity. And so began its journey into the extraordinary.

Magical Powers: BEAR’s hunger alone can summon a picnic table quickly, and magically, stacked with morsels of yummy food. BEAR’s great size brings strength in times of need, yet its comic clumsiness often finds the Madykazoo gaggle in unexpected misadventures.”Signature behavior: BEAR usually ambles arm‑in‑wing with OS at the front of the gaggle, “me‑first” attitude shining in their playful rivalry. Responding to OS’s “Valla!” (Let’s GO) BEAR rolls with surprising speed to win OS’s race challenges--well, sometimes. And when hunger strikes, a tummy rub and deep growl—‘feed me’ means food is about to arrive.