The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle

December 15, 2018
Hector, an older white man, and Hugo, a scruffy white dog, have been friends for a very long time.Hector's passion is playing the fiddle, but the times have changed around him. His music doesn't draw much attention these days--the audiences are flocking instead to the ursine virtuoso introduced in The Bear and the Piano (2016). Hector decides to retire. Hugo isn't ready to let go of the music, though, so he picks up Hector's fiddle and starts to play. To Hector's surprise, Hugo is good...very good! Soon Hugo is getting the admiration and opportunity that Hector always dreamed of but never found. He supports his friend yet feels pangs of jealousy when Hugo is invited on tour with the world-famous piano-playing bear. In his jealousy, Hector says some hurtful things he may not be able to take back. By using concrete language to describe Hector's feelings ("Hector's tummy hurt a bit when he saw everyone in the neighborhood nodding along") and behaviors ("Hugo put his head on Hector's knee, but Hector pushed him away"), Litchfield makes real and palpable the abstract concept of jealousy and its consequences. The same emotive tenderness that characterized his earlier debut imbues this sequel. There is much to explore, discuss, and ponder over for adults and children alike.An accessible and enjoyable portrayal of the complexities of friendship, jealousy, and forgiveness. (Picture book. 4-8)

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March 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-The bear from The Bear and The Piano returns in this charming sequel about friendship and perseverance. Hector (the human) and Hugo (the musically gifted dog) live in the shadow of the Bear's success and fame. Hector plays the fiddle on his street every day while his friend Hugo watches with admiration. One day, when a discouraged Hector gives up on his dream and packs his fiddle away, Hugo finds an opportunity to pursue his own passion for music. Eventually, Hugo is invited to join Bear's Big Band and Hector must decide if he can stomach his jealousy and be proud of his friend. Mixed-media illustrations portray a magical and musical city with bright lights and excited faces. The crowds are filled with a diverse collection of humans and full-page spreads of concert halls and vast rooftops immerse readers in a fantastic musical world. The prose depicts Hector's shifting emotions with precision and kindness as he overcomes his jealousy and realizes that more than anything he misses his old friend. The message of friendship and forgiveness will resonate with readers searching for a fantastic and musical story. VERDICT An excellent tale about supporting friends and being happy for them when they succeed.-Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library, RI

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