The Bear in the Book

Sometimes a book is so sumptuous and complete it inspires a passionate dreaminess. This is one such book. Using gentle repetitive language, illuminated by lush and expressive paintings, this book explores the passion of sharing books on the lap of a loving parent. Soft rich images, warm and tender, unfold page after page, given an almost Impressionistic feel by the daubs of thick paint. The words too are impressionistic, using tactile senses to share the experience of holding a book, snuggling up and feeling the story within. But it is the meandering nature of reading words and turning pages that are most deftly explored as the boy questions the events he has come to know.

Simple in it’s concept – a sleepy boy’s feelings paralleled by a bear settling down for his winter hibernation – this book wants for nothing. Indeed it is an utterly beautiful and compelling.