The Boy and the Bear

In this quiet tale by Corderoy, an unlikely friendship grows through the seasons. A lonely boy wants to play, but most games require two, and azure Bear’s “too shy even to say hello.” When a paper boat with “BOO!” written on its side appears, the boy is disappointed to discover that the sender is Bear, who is ill-suited to most games. Bear begins building a tree house, though, and wash-filled mixed-media illustrations show the two bonding, contentedly enjoying each other amid autumn leaves and early snowflakes. Upon winter’s arrival, Bear leaves to hibernate, and in melancholic scenes the boy awaits the return of his friend; Massini’s grey snowscapes soon melt into springtime scenes, and the story concludes with a joyous reunion between the boy and Bear. A sweet tale of unexpected pals. Ages 2–5. [em](Nov.) [/em]