'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 17 March 2013

Review: Bear Has a Story to Tell

Winter is almost here. Bear is getting ready to find somewhere warm and cosy to sleep until spring arrives, but first, he has a story to tell.

Unfortunately, all of Bear’s friends are too busy to take time to hear his story. Bear helps each friend to find a safe place to spend the winter and then, as the first snowflakes start to fall, Bear falls asleep as well, his story untold.

When spring arrives, Bear greets his friends. When everyone has gathered together he starts to tell his story, but, after his long winter sleep, Bear can’t remember his story any longer. His friends repay Bear’s kindness by helping him to remember his story, a story of friends working together in the busy days before winter begins.

This sweet, simple story completely won me over with the gorgeous illustrations of Bear and his friends Mouse, Duck, Frog and Mole. The autumn leaves and the winter skies were particularly beautiful and the perfect accompaniment to the story of the gentle Bear helping his friends to prepare for the long, cold winter.

Bear Has a Story to Tell is another collaboration between Philip and Erin Stead, the Caldecott Medal winning duo who created A Sick Day for Amos McGee.


Title:  Bear Has a Story to Tell
Author:  Philip C Stead
Illustrator:  Erin E Stead
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date:  February 2013
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN:  9781743313428
For ages:  3 - 6 years
Type: Picture book