The Bear and the Piano

Starred review from February 1, 2016
After finding a piano in the woods, a brown bear teaches himself to play (even though he doesn’t know what it is, exactly), going on to wow his fellow bears and, later, the world. Newcomer Litchfield explores the life of a musician from several angles: the necessity of practice (after “days and weeks and months of years” of playing, “the sounds that came from the strange thing were beautiful”), the allure of fame, and the loneliness of leaving home, even when one’s name and face are plastered across Broadway. The bear achieves stratospheric success (platinum records, sold-out shows), and after he returns to his forest (still wearing a rumpled tuxedo), he discovers that his brethren have been proudly following his career, not resenting his absence. Litchfield’s multilayered mixed-media illustrations gracefully portray dappled forest groves, the energy of a packed concert hall, and the simultaneous bustle and solitude of city life. The bear’s emotions—contentment, pride, uncertainty, relief—are captured with equal skill in a tenderly moving story about embracing one’s potential while remembering one’s roots. Ages 4–7. Agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Group.

Starred review from February 1, 2016
In the forest, a little bear discovers an object he's never seen before--a piano. At first the cub isn't sure about the strange device, but over time he comes to love the instrument and the music. The other animals in the bear's forest home delight in his talent, but he dreams of bigger things. When the opportunity comes to play in the city, it's a hard decision, but off he goes, and stardom awaits. The bear becomes famous beyond his wildest dreams. He finds great success, but eventually he comes to miss his home. He returns, nervous that his friends may be angry with him for leaving, but instead he finds the entire forest beaming with pride for all he has accomplished. This is one of those rare books that children can return to again and again through the years, each time finding new meaning appropriate to their varying ages and stages. In the emotive, whimsical illustrations readers will sense the bear's hesitation to leave the forest, his exaltation at playing in grand concert halls, and his longing to return home. The forest seems to sparkle on the page when the bear returns to play for his friends once more. Litchfield's poignant debut picture book celebrates both the wonders of wandering far in pursuit of one's dreams and the sweet comfort of returning home. (Picture book. 4-9)

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March 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-A young bear finds a piano in the middle of the forest and begins to play. Initially turned off by the awful sound, he leaves but soon returns to try again. The bear continues to practice for years and years until he can play like a virtuoso. Not only does his playing give him immense pleasure but the other bears are enchanted as well. When a boy and a girl discover the bear's amazing talent, they convince him to move to the city. Sad to leave his friends but excited to explore another world, he ventures forth and becomes a sensation. After much fame and accolades, the bear realizes that he misses his friends and decides to return home. He is heartsick when he can't find his piano in the woods and assumes they have all forgotten him. Happiness is restored when he learns his friends have kept the piano in the shade to protect it and were eagerly awaiting his return. Litchfield's debut picture book is a visual feast. Using a variety of different techniques and then digitally assembling them, he has produced a story filled with verdant and luminous images that create an enchanting atmosphere. The story encourages young ones to follow their dreams and pursue their unique talents. VERDICT A wonderful addition for all collections.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2016
Preschool-G One bright day, a young bear finds something strange in the middle of the forest: a piano. It makes a horrible sound when he touches it, but his curiosity is piqued. Day after day he returns, and as he grows, so does his skill at the instrument. All the other bears in the forest love to come hear him play, and eventually, a father and a daughter hiking in the woods overhear him and convince him to play in the big city. But no matter how much fame and acclaim he getsand the glorious two-page spread of him playing at a Broadway concert suggests a lot of itthe bear still finds himself missing his friends. The story is a fairly standard tale of leaving and returning home, but the mixed-media illustrations are luminous. From the ivy-covered piano in a forest clearing to the stars winking over the city at night, the spreads are highly detailed and lovingly crafted. Young readers will find much to look at in city and forest scenes alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)