The Bear and the Wildcat
Written by Kazumi Yumoto
Illustrated by Komako Sakai
Publisher: Gecko Press
ISBN: 978-1-877467-70-7
Summary/Back cover:
A beautiful picture book about loneliness, loss and grief, ending with a positive new beginning.
Review:
Along with Duck, Death and the Tulip, this is another story that delicately deals with the subject of death. This story starts with death, and follows Bear's grief journey and how other animals react to him in the wake of his best frend dying.
The story ends on a positive note, with Bear finding a way to let go of his friend, and realising that his life will carry on, and the memories of his friend will stay with him forever. He even recognises that others might have had friends that they have lost as well.
This is a beautiful book to help young people through their grieving process - I wouldn't let them read it by themselves, as there are many discussion points to bring up from reading it. I haven't read this book to my 3.5 and 1.5 year olds, and don't intend to until we have a reason to - but I think it's a great follow-on to Duck, Death and the Tulip.
The illustrations are simple and monotone, well suited to the tone of the text. Bear's grief is tenderly and quietly portrayed, and although the book is very sad, it's not a scary book at all.
If you have read this book with your children, please do either leave me a comment here, telling me your thoughts, or email me on 1001bookreviews@gmail.com so I can put your comments up anonymously.
My rating: 4.9 out of 5 - a lovely story to help children and teens through their grief.
Review written by Bronwyn
No comments:
Post a Comment