An almost single-color picture book tracks the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding.
When the little bird dies, his friend the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures out again only when the smell of young spring grass blows through his window. He always carries a small box, which he opens for no one.
He meets a wildcat who understands his need to carry the box. As the cat plays on her violin, the bear remembers all the beauty he experienced with the little bird. Now he can bury his friend, keeping him alive in his memories and feelings.
The Bear and the Wildcat shows a way through paralyzing grief and simultaneously tells the story of a hopeful new friendship.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"Elegant, understated spreads over scumbled black backdrops by Sakai divide the story, the first half dark with Bear's misery, the second half dawning with light. Hirano's fine translation renders Bear's transition in simple, natural-sounding English, and Yumoto's sensitive characterization makes the story a touchstone for talking about loss."-starred, Publishers Weekly "Quietly contemplative, mingling hope and healing, this is a book that will offer comfort to many."-starred, Kirkus Reviews "This quiet, gently told story about death and friendship is well matched with soothing illustrations. . . . This Japanese import . . . will be a welcome addition to books about grieving."-The Horn Book Magazine "[A] forward-looking book for children who have loved and lost."-Wall Street Journal "A deeply somber but ultimately uplifting read."-Booklist
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für Kinder
US School Grade: From Kindergarten to Third Grade, Reading Age: From 7 to 8 years, Interest Age: From 5 to 9 years
Produkt-Hinweis
Bilderbuch
Fadenheftung
Gewebe-Einband
mit Schutzumschlag
Illustrationen
Maße
Höhe: 244 mm
Breite: 189 mm
Dicke: 14 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-877467-70-7 (9781877467707)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Kazumi Yumoto was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1959. She studied music composition at Tokyo College and during this time wrote opera libretti and plays for radio and television. Her books, mostly novels for older children, have won numerous international awards. After graduating from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Komako Sakai worked at a kimono textile design company. She is currently one of the most popular children's author/illustrators in Japan, and has been successfully published in the US by Chronicle Books and Arthur A. Levine books.
