An emotionally stirring book about kindness and friendship Life isn’t easy for a bear. Not when he has to sleep on the sidewalk among cardboard boxes and old clothes. Not when he lives in a city
An emotionally stirring book about kindness and friendship
Life isn’t easy for a bear. Not when he has to sleep on the sidewalk among cardboard boxes and old clothes. Not when he lives in a city full of people who are repulsed by him. Not when he’s hungry and homeless. But one day a young girl smiles at the bear, and he realizes that maybe there is something that could make life a bit easier -- a friend.
This poignant, heartwarming tale will move readers of all ages and inspire them to be more compassionate and empathetic towards others.
USBBY 2015 Outstanding International Book
Kirkus Reviews
"A sensitive portrait. . . . Dumont portrays the `bear,' the urban setting, and the human connection with idealized tidiness, but there is food for both thought and discussion here. A naked appeal to sentiment — but also to sympathy."
Publishers Weekly
"Dumont hits at human prejudice from multiple angles, whether it's the plentitude of food the bear sees in shop windows or the way citizens wrinkle their noses as they walk past. . . . As a literal vision of the way society often dehumanizes the homeless, it's sure to be a conversation starter."
Literary Features Syndicate
“There’s a lot going on here -- compassion, empathy, plenitude in the face of poverty -- and yet the author manages to avoid being didactic by keeping the text simple and straightforward. . . . Unexpected, poignant, and relevant.”
Teacher Librarians
“A heart-breaking picture book about homelessness, compassion, and acceptance. . . . Dumont is a magnificent storyteller blending simple text with amazing illustrations. His authentic examination of homelessness is powerful and will strike a chord for those who have spent time in urban areas. . . . This book will generate lots of discussion and has the potential to change young lives for the better.”
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Jean-Francois Dumont is a French author and illustrator who has created many stories for children, including The Chickens Build a Wall (Eerdmans) and A Blue So Blue (Sterling), winner of the 2004 Prix Saint-Exupery, an award given yearly to the best illustrated picture book in France.
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