Book Buzz: The Bear and the Star
The Bear And The Star
written by Lola M. Schaefter, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen
Ages 4-7, Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
It’s time. Time to snuggle up to your little ones with a good book. The air is definitely cooler at night here in the South. It hints of colder nights to come. Nights when stars shine bright and turn everything magical.
Bear experiences something like this. Before his annual sleep of hibernation, he wakes up one December morning to see a bright star. A new bright star.
It is time.
He begins a search. A search for a tree where all can gather. A tree so tall and strong that everyone can see it as a beacon for their gathering place. When he finally finds the special tree, an evergreen, he roars in all directions. Soon all the animals of the forest come. Squirrel, cardinal, and raccoon make their way to the tree. He roars again, this time – louder. His voice carries across the mesa and meadow, sea and peak from cliff to bluff.
It is time.
Even people put down their hammer and hoe, knife and rice, shield and sword. They bring with them friend and neighbor, son and daughter, mother and father and far away family.
All come to the gathering where the tall tree towered.
It is time.
But time for what?
Anderson’s oil paint on gessoed printmaking paper evoke the frigid enchantment of winter nights. Quiet snowflakes drift in and out of the characters as they make their journey to bear’s beckoning roar. Stylized animals and people appear to jump off the page as their brightly-colored forms contrast the cool and subdued tones of a winter landscape.
The Bear And The Star is a quiet and tranquil story just right for the coming holidays and the warmth of hearth and home.
~ Chuck Galey
Chuck Galey writes and illustrates children’s picture books. Visit his website to see what he’s up to at www.chuckgaley.com.
