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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I honestly don't know what to say about this book. To start, Cordell's art was, as usual, engaging and emotive. He almost could have told this story without any words at all. There are some elements about the narrative that I really dislike, <spoilers>particularly when the family gets a new puppy. The implication seems to be that living beings are replaceable, though this is slightly mitigated by the fact that the puppy likes different things than the first dog</spoilers>. The interactions between the bear and Louise, however, get to the core of grief in a way that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
Lovely, simple art. I sometimes worry about stories like this that seem to tell kids it's perfectly safe and normal to approach wild animals, but the ending was a bit of a surprise here. (No mauling - hah!)
This book is a very nice look at dealing with grief.
This book is a very nice look at dealing with grief.
II’m not crying, you’re crying. A beautiful picture book about death and loss and working through the grieving process. Told in a metaphorical style with illustrations that match the tone.
I'm not crying, you're crying. A beautiful resonant, emotionally authentic and beautiful exploration of grief, family, nature and healing. Highly recommended for purchase for library and school collections, gifts, and yourself because you need it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
Lovely sentiment about grief and moving forward, love the combination of words and wordless.
complimentary copy provided by raincoast books
I loved this book. I found it so gentle and tenderly done.
Shared grief can be a healing grief.
Just a lovely book.
The illustrations fit the mood of the story nicely.
The growth in Louise was great to see.
I loved this book. I found it so gentle and tenderly done.
Shared grief can be a healing grief.
Just a lovely book.
The illustrations fit the mood of the story nicely.
The growth in Louise was great to see.
So many people say there are too many “sad” books. What those people don’t understand is that it isn’t the sadness, it’s the *getting through* the sadness that is at the heart of most books that deal with loss and grief. Bear Island, like many other picture books, middle grade and YA novels, does just that, and stunningly. This book is important because millions of kids are dealing with loss: the loss of face-to-face friendship, the loss of what they know, loss of security. And often, now more than ever, loss of people they love. Books that can help kids come through are nothing short of vital.