Bear Island

by Matthew Cordell (Author)

Bear Island
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade
Bear Island is a heartfelt picture book about healing after loss by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell. Louise and her family are sad over the loss of their beloved dog, Charlie. Life will not be the same, Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on a visit to the island after Charlie's death, something strange happens: She meets a bear. At first, she's afraid, but soon she realizes that the bear is sad, too. As Louise visits more often, she realizes that getting over loss takes time. And just when she starts to feel better, it's time for Bear to bed down for the winter. Once again, Louise believes that life will not be the same. But sometimes, things can change for the better, and on the first warm day of spring, her family welcomes a new member. Here is a lovely, poignant story about loss and healing that will bring comfort to even the youngest readers.
Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Find books about:

Review quotes

"A poetically beautiful story of grief and healing mirrored in the natural world has a touch of magical realism as a young girl processes her emotions and realizes that endings lead to beginnings."—School Library Journal, starred review

"
In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace, economy, and heart." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Grief can be particularly difficult to address with young children, and Cordell wisely eschews the platitudes often associated with this emotion, choosing instead to demonstrate the healing powers of nature and time."―Booklist

"Provides youngsters with a talking point for their feelings about bereavement, and the depiction of a summer of adjustment to life without the loved one is sympathetic and patient. (Recommended.) Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Matthew Cordell
Matthew Cordell received the Caldecott Medal for Wolf in the Snow. He is also the creator of the picture books Trouble Gum, Another Brother, The Expedition, and Bear Island, which School Library Journal praised as, "A poetically beautiful story of grief and healing," in a starred review. He lives in Gurnee, IL, with his family.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250317162
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Feiwel & Friends
Publication date
January 26, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
Library of Congress categories
-

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!