Nora and the Great Bear

Young Nora is fascinated by tales of the Great Bear, a creature as big and old as the forest itself. Determined to join in on her village's annual bear hunt, she trains diligently with her bow and arrow and builds up her strength. Nora is allowed to go along, but her dreams of becoming the greatest bear hunter of all don't go exactly as she'd planned. For it's only when she puts down her weapons and goes looking for the bear with her heart that she finds it. In the end, the mysterious, shadowy creature (that leaves no footprints) leads Nora back to camp when she's lost in a snowstorm. The story has the enchanting flavor of an old world fairy tale, and Krause's subtle ink-and-watercolor illustrations and imaginative use of perspective are captivating. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)