A Story for Bear

February 18, 2002
In Haseley's (Kite Flier) wistful tale of a bear beguiled by a woman he befriends one summer, inconsistencies render the events more puzzling than haunting. The narrative begins from the bear's point of view, as he first discovers "something lying on the ground," which readers can see is a letter. On the next spread, the narrative voice shifts: "Through the years, the bear looked at the paper with wonder—it seemed as far away and mysterious as the moon." Next, the text switches to the main action: the bear observes a woman outside her cabin, carrying something he can describe only as "a mysterious square thing." However, in the next sentence he identifies it: "He to understand what she was doing as she held the book." The tug-of-war in point of view continues as the woman begins to read aloud to the bear. At the end of her stay, she leaves her books for him (even though he cannot read), and he takes them back to his cave, where they provide him with comfort all winter. LaMarche's (The Raft) shimmering pastel spreads go far to carry the tale over its rough spots. The artwork conveys the bear and the woman in growing intimacy, their heads drawing closer together over the shared books. Nature scenes chronicle the passing of the summer; in the sky behind them, geese fly south, hinting at her departure. Yet LaMarche alone cannot clarify the narrative. Some children may find the magic in this peaceable kingdom, but more will be left outside, wondering what to make of it. Ages 5-8.

Who would ever imagine a young bear could come to understand the pleasures of being read to? Wooed by a gentle voice and a loving soul, Bear does just that as The Woman reads aloud all summer long. Long after, when winter comes, Bear treasures her books and remembers the magic of listening to stories. Richard Poe narrates in a quiet, placid voice, leaving space for the subtleties of Bear's deepening understanding and The Woman's kindness to wash over the listener. Poe's pace invites one to think back to one's own special moments of being read to and hearing tales of "adventure, magic, and love." A.R. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine