The Bear and the Piano (The Bear and the Piano #1)

by David Litchfield (Author)

The Bear and the Piano (The Bear and the Piano #1)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

One day, a bear cub finds something strange and wonderful in the forest. When he touches the keys, they make a horrible noise. Yet he is drawn back again and again. Eventually, he learns to play beautiful sounds, delighting his woodland friends.

Then the bear is invited to share his sounds with new friends in the city. He longs to explore the world beyond his home, and to play bigger and better than before. But he knows that if he leaves, the other bears will be very sad . . .

This gorgeously illustrated tale of following one's dreams reminds us of the value of friendship, wherever we go.

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Kirkus

Starred Review
Litchfield's poignant debut picture book celebrates both the wonders of wandering far in pursuit of one's dreams and the sweet comfort of returning home.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

After finding a piano in the woods, a brown bear teaches himself to play (even though he doesn't know what it is, exactly), going on to wow his fellow bears and, later, the world. Newcomer Litchfield explores the life of a musician from several angles: the necessity of practice (after "days and weeks and months of years" of playing, "the sounds that came from the strange thing were beautiful"), the allure of fame, and the loneliness of leaving home, even when one's name and face are plastered across Broadway. The bear achieves stratospheric success (platinum records, sold-out shows), and after he returns to his forest (still wearing a rumpled tuxedo), he discovers that his brethren have been proudly following his career, not resenting his absence. Litchfield's multilayered mixed-media illustrations gracefully portray dappled forest groves, the energy of a packed concert hall, and the simultaneous bustle and solitude of city life. The bear's emotions--contentment, pride, uncertainty, relief--are captured with equal skill in a tenderly moving story about embracing one's potential while remembering one's roots. Ages 4-7. Agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Group. (Apr.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--A young bear finds a piano in the middle of the forest and begins to play. Initially turned off by the awful sound, he leaves but soon returns to try again. The bear continues to practice for years and years until he can play like a virtuoso. Not only does his playing give him immense pleasure but the other bears are enchanted as well. When a boy and a girl discover the bear's amazing talent, they convince him to move to the city. Sad to leave his friends but excited to explore another world, he ventures forth and becomes a sensation. After much fame and accolades, the bear realizes that he misses his friends and decides to return home. He is heartsick when he can't find his piano in the woods and assumes they have all forgotten him. Happiness is restored when he learns his friends have kept the piano in the shade to protect it and were eagerly awaiting his return. Litchfield's debut picture book is a visual feast. Using a variety of different techniques and then digitally assembling them, he has produced a story filled with verdant and luminous images that create an enchanting atmosphere. The story encourages young ones to follow their dreams and pursue their unique talents. VERDICT A wonderful addition for all collections.--Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

All the Wonders, Best of 2016 Picture Books
Amazon Overall Top 20 Children's Books of 2016
Amazon, Best Children's Books of the Year Ages 3 to 5
Kirkus Best of 2016
School Library Journal's Fuse#8 Best of 2016

David Litchfield
David Litchfield creates his artwork using a variety of traditional techniques, then digitally assembling the components. The Bear and the Piano, his first book, was inspired by his love of music and forests, and by the White Stripes' song "Little Room." He lives in the United Kingdom. Visit his website at www.davidlitchfieldillustration.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780544674547
Lexile Measure
620
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
April 05, 2016
Series
The Bear and the Piano
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
Library of Congress categories
Bears
Friendship
Music
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Bears
Piano

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