The Dancing Bear

7-year-old Roxanne, who lives alone with her 'dour and unloving' grandfather, where life is ruled by the mountains, sheep, snow and drought, finds and adopts Bruno the bear cub. Initial opposition is calmed by the unique relationship bear and child develop. Then media interest and the outside world intervenes: Bruno is to become a performing, dancing bear and Roxanne a singing star. It's a very moving tale told in the first person, which gives it still more credibility and pathos. The complexity of issues surrounding 'animals in captivity' is underlined by the simple reporting narrative. A memorable read.