The Boy and the Bear by Tracey Corderoy with Sarah Massini - ESSENTIAL

The Boy and the Bear by Tracey Corderoy with Sarah Massini. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2019. $17. 9781536208146

 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3)- ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved to play.  His favorites such as seesaw or catch or hide-and-seek needed two to play.  Yet the boy was all alone.  Excitedly the boy saw a Bear.  Perhaps he would become the boy’s  playmate? But Bear was a bear and he was so shy he couldn’t even say hello.  One summer morning as the boy sat alone, a paper boat bobbed across the water.  Thus began the heartwarming adventure between the Boy and the Bear.  As the seasons passed their friendship grew into a rare and unique bond shared by two. 

We loved The Boy and the Bear!  The illustrations are beautiful and fun. The reader will delight in images such as the Bear tiptoeing away from the Boy or the little Boy covering his eyes.  The stark red of the boy’s hat stands out on every page.  The blue used for the bear is a beautiful contrast.  The colors are warm and inviting.  The plot draws readers into every page.  Friendship is often easy to come by. Other times friends are bonded through seasons of ups and downs.  This will become a favorite in homes and classrooms alike!

Reviewer: SL