Author: Louise Greig
Illustrator: Vanya Nastanlieva
Publisher: Picture Kelpies, 2017
Age: 5-8
Themes: bears, Scottish Hebrides, true stories
Opening: (image below)
Summary: (from the publisher) One morning on a wild and quiet Hebridean island, a bear appeared where there should not have been a bear. The gentle giant would not harm a living thing. But even friendly bears don’t belong on Scottish islands. Will he ever find his way home?
I like this book because: the illustrations are warm, inviting, energetic, evoking the feel and climate of life in the Hebrides (favorite read for adults linked in ‘Resources’); the writing is equally evocative, with a rhyming style so gentle it has you believing this is how the islanders themselves speak!
Resources/Activities: read more Scottish stories: about Kelpies, Selkies, the Loch Ness Monster, or Robert the Bruce; Research where Scotland is on a map. How is their climate different from yours? What is a school-day like in Scotland? Fro adults: read some of my favorite books about life in the Hebrides from Lillian Beckwith: The Hills is Lonely, The Loud Halo, Lightly Poached, and Beautiful Just.
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to bring attention to the struggles of teachers serving our communities today. In my state (CO) a walk-out is being planned one week from today – April 27, 2018. If you cannot join them in their protest, send a teacher you know a letter of gratitude, of support, or encouragement as they continue to support and encourage our children. Thank you!
The opening page of the story plus the enchanting illustrations won my heart. And that this story is inspired by a true event makes me anxious to read it even more. Thank you for another great review of a fantastic treasure.
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Gorgeous illustrations and such a magical feel to this story through the text. Love it. Thanks for sharing Julie.
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The expressiveness of the bear stealing apples is awesome! Have to see if the SFPL has this one.
More power to Colorado teachers!!!
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Thank you!
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And the answer is: can’t even find this on Link+ hmmmmmm
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Is that your library system?
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Link+ is what I use when I can’t find books at the San Francisco Public Library. It’s an interlibrary loan system in CA and NV (and elsewhere, I believe), including academic libraries.
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I began thinking, but we don’t have bears… love this idea. And thanks for the shout out for CO teachers.
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The illustrations are beautiful. Thanks for this recommendation.
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Lovely! The illustrations are so warm and rich.
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ooh, those illustrations look so soft and inviting. They are gorgeous.
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What stunning illustrations and a great tale.
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Love the illustrations . . . and the country of Scotland! Your activity section has some inspiring ideas, too.
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I love the weekly post of Perfect Picture book Friday!
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I’m glad! It’s fun to be a part of a great resource!
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