The cover of this magical picture book shows a large red velvet
theatre curtain opening to reveal a bear dressed in an evening suit in the
spotlight. He is completely absorbed in playing the piano. As you look closely
you notice that there is a forest in the background. This is the story of the
Bear and the Piano.
One day in the forest a young bear cub finds a mysterious
object. It is a piano and at first it makes an awful noise. As he grows big and
strong and grizzly so his playing develops. Every night a crowd of bears
gathers to listen to the wonderful sound.
A girl and her father discover bear and tell him about the
city where, ‘You can play grand pianos in
front of hundreds of people and hear sounds so beautiful they will make your
fur stand on end.’
Bear wants to explore the world and to play better so he
leaves. In the city he is a huge success and becomes famous. Something tugs at
his heart. He misses his friends and his home. But will his friends have forgotten
him? Or are they angry with him for leaving them behind?
This is David Litchfield’s first picture book and I’m pretty
sure it won’t be his last. The artwork is a delight. Each page is infused with
light. Bear is a gentle creature who is transformed by his creativity and
talent. I loved the slightly muted colour palate that fills the story with atmosphere
and warmth.
The moment when bear realises that he has not been forgotten
is really moving; ‘the bear realised that
no matter where he went, or what he did, they would always be there, watching
from afar.’
ISBN 978-1-84780-718-2 published by Francis Lincoln
www.francislincoln.com
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2 comments:
Sounds a delight - and how nice to have a book about piano playing, too!
This type of article is interesting and fun to read. I love reading and I am always searching for informative info like this.
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