Bear Island

by Matthew Cordell (Author)

Bear Island
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade
Bear Island is a heartfelt picture book about healing after loss by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell. Louise and her family are sad over the loss of their beloved dog, Charlie. Life will not be the same, Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on a visit to the island after Charlie's death, something strange happens: She meets a bear. At first, she's afraid, but soon she realizes that the bear is sad, too. As Louise visits more often, she realizes that getting over loss takes time. And just when she starts to feel better, it's time for Bear to bed down for the winter. Once again, Louise believes that life will not be the same. But sometimes, things can change for the better, and on the first warm day of spring, her family welcomes a new member. Here is a lovely, poignant story about loss and healing that will bring comfort to even the youngest readers.
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Hardcover
$18.99

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Review quotes

"A poetically beautiful story of grief and healing mirrored in the natural world has a touch of magical realism as a young girl processes her emotions and realizes that endings lead to beginnings."—School Library Journal, starred review

"
In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace, economy, and heart." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Grief can be particularly difficult to address with young children, and Cordell wisely eschews the platitudes often associated with this emotion, choosing instead to demonstrate the healing powers of nature and time."―Booklist

"Provides youngsters with a talking point for their feelings about bereavement, and the depiction of a summer of adjustment to life without the loved one is sympathetic and patient. (Recommended.) Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Matthew Cordell
Matthew Cordell has illustrated many books for children including works of poetry, novels, and picture books, like Bob, Not Bob!; Leaps and Bounce; and Rooting for You! He has also created numerous picture books himself including Wolf in the Snow, which was awarded the 2018 Caldecott Medal, Hope; Wish; Dream; Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers; and Bear Island as well as Cornbread & Poppy and Cornbread & Poppy at the Carnival. Matthew lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, author Julie Halpern, and their two children.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250317162
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Feiwel & Friends
Publication date
January 20, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
Library of Congress categories
-

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