"Warmhearted . . . memorable . . . [a work of thoughtful exploration." — Publishers WeeklyA dreamlike tale about a bear, a boy, and the conversation they share one snowy evening.
"Warmhearted . . . memorable . . . [a work of thoughtful exploration." — Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)
A dreamlike tale about a bear, a boy, and the conversation they share one snowy evening.
Hiro is a bear too curious to sleep all winter long. So she packs her things, heads out of her cave, and follows some odd tracks in the snow…. straight into a bonfire party! Everyone runs away—except for Émile. He is a boy too curious to give up his chance to talk to a bear. “What it’s like, being a bear?” Émile asks Hiro. As bear and boy sit, talk, and roast marshmallows, a friendship sparks between them…
With wonderfully quirky narration and richly colored art, this enchanting book begs to be read aloud on cozy nights by the fire. Young readers will be delighted by Hiro and Émile’s winter world of crackling bonfires, bear songs, and ooey-gooey toasted marshmallows.
Booklist
"Dreamy illustrations rendered in colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic paint, and markers capture the magical qualities of the story and make this impromptu party seem possible. The image of Hiro sitting by herself, sadly holding the marshmallows over the fire, will resonate with any child who has ever been lonely. Hiro’s brave spirit and her connection with Émile make for a fairy-tale type of atmospheric winter adventure."
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Warmhearted . . . memorable . . . [a work of thoughtful exploration."
The Horn Book Magazine
"Schneider’s evocative art creates a cozy feel . . . Playful text reflects both the bear’s excitement and her trepidation . . . Readers may have found a new bedtime favorite."
Kirkus Reviews
"This quietly meditative Belgian import is worth savoring. . . . Tranquility, camaraderie, and gooey marshmallows add up to one sweet combo."
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Marine Schneider is a Belgian author and illustrator who lives in Brussels. Her works include the picture books Life and I, I Am Life, and The Path (all Little Gestalten) and the board books Little Bear, Baby Bear and Big Bear, Little Bear (both Abrams). A traveler at heart, she loves wandering through snowy landscapes—alone or with company. Visit Marine’s website at marine-schneider.com and follow her on Instagram @marineschneider.
Vineet Lal is a translator of books from French to English, including A Perfect Spot, A Head Full of Birds, The Brothers Zzli, and Home (all Eerdmans). He studied French at Princeton University and the University of Edinburgh. Vineet lives in Scotland. Follow him on Twitter @vineet_uk.
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