Meet Kathryn Willis
Kathryn Willis is a Waco native and a Baylor University student majoring in Special Education. As an active member of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce and a Lead Trainer at the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat, she helps care for Judge Indy and Judge Belle while supporting their health, enrichment, training, and daily activities. Kathryn wrote The Bear Sisters of Baylor to introduce young readers to Baylor’s real bear ambassadors and encourage friendship, curiosity, kindness, conservation, and a lasting respect for animals.
Inspired by Baylor’s Real Bear Ambassadors
A True Baylor Connection
Judge Indy and Judge Belle are real American black bears who live at the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Their home provides water for swimming, structures for climbing, shaded spaces for resting, and opportunities to explore. With support from trained staff, veterinarians, and Baylor Chamber student caretakers, the sisters receive the daily attention, enrichment, and care they need to thrive.
A Day with Indy and Belle
Follow Indy and Belle through a playful day at their Baylor home as they race toward the water, climb sturdy logs, search for hidden treats, practice with their trainers, and rest together beneath the Texas sky. Although the sisters have different personalities, they share every adventure side by side. Their story reminds young readers that courage grows through practice, animals deserve thoughtful care, and ordinary moments become more meaningful when they are shared with someone close
Where Curiosity Meets Care
The Bear Sisters of Baylor brings storytelling and animal education together for children, families, teachers, Baylor alumni, and young animal lovers. Readers meet two real bears with distinct personalities while learning about American black bear behavior, diet, climbing, swimming, intelligence, and winter torpor. The story also introduces the patience and responsibility involved in caring for animals. It gives adults and children a natural starting point for conversations about friendship, wildlife, conservation, kindness, and respect for every living creature.
Readers Reviews
Readers Love the Bear Sisters
Families and young readers share their thoughts on the friendship, charm, and joyful adventures found in The Bear Sisters of Baylor.
“A sweet introduction to Judge Indy and Judge Belle. The story captures their different personalities while celebrating the friendship that makes every part of their day more enjoyable.”
“The combination of storytelling and real bear facts makes this a wonderful choice for home or classroom reading. Children enjoy the adventure while learning about wildlife care.”
“The familiar Baylor setting makes this book especially meaningful. It offers families a lovely way to share the university’s bear tradition with a new generation.”
“Indy and Belle’s swimming, climbing, and search for hidden treats keep the story moving, while the educational pages give children plenty of interesting facts to remember.”