The Bear and the Piano

This is one of my new favorites! I am a children's librarian and I purchased this book in honor of a dear friend who is retiring. Her class mascot has always been "bears" (Mrs B's Bears), she is a piano teacher and she will be performing with a choir at Carnegie Hall this fall. So, this book seemed to be a perfect choice. It did not disappoint. The story is one that will enchant adults as well as appeal to children. The story is sweet, the bear is so very likable, and the bond that he has with his friends is what makes the story so very special. Not only is the story one that children won't get tired of hearing, the pictures are also magical and enduring. The bear matures and leaves home, but never forgets his friends and what they mean to him. In the end, he realizes what is important in his life. I am already anticipating the smiles I will see on the children's faces when I read this story to them for the first time. I highly recommend this book. It is truly a keeper!

The moral of the story is even if you leave your friends, they will still remember you even after you find success.

The best children's books have appealing characters and situations, are well written, and teach an important life lesson without being didactic or obvious about their message. David Litchfield accomplishes all these things in "The Bear and the Piano". When a little bear discovers a piano in the forest glen, he diligently practices until he is an accomplished pianist. While his forest friends enjoy his concerts and praise him, the bear wants to venture into the wider world. There he reaches the heights of fame and fortune, but realizes they are not all there is in life. He is missing the true friendship he enjoyed while living in the forest. Returning to the forest, bear discovers that the fears he held about going home and the apprehension he felt were unwarranted. The joyful reunion with his friends and the happiness he finds once more remind children that fame and fortune are not the be-all and end-all in life. Beautiful, vibrantly colored illustrations add to the overall appeal of "The Bear and the Piano". The details are often so subtle that even after multiple readings of the book, you will discover new facets to the pictures that will add to your enjoyment of the story.

I'm delighted with this book for my two great-granddaughters (ages 3 and 5) and putting it in their Christmas package to mail to them. It's hard not being around them but they have learned that when a new book arrives, it is special and it is from Nana. The story is interesting, the illustrations are vivid and some take the whole page with the words written right across the forest. I thought it told the story nicely with a lesson about friends.

I purchased this book to share with a three year old and it was very successful. The illustrations encouraged questions. The message of true friendship was done in a warm way which made reader and listener smile. I think this book could be appreciated by a wide age group as the illustration can be studied, as they often contain great detail and the message of enduring friendship is something we can all appreciate.

What a beautiful book! The illustrations alone are worth the book, but the story stole my heart. So gently expressed - your friends are always there for you. Buy this book and share it.

Adoarble, simple, and fun. This book is a testament to friends and family. This adorable tale let's children know that they can achieve anything, and they'll always have a "tribe" back home rooting for their success. My first grader loves this book.

Beautiful book!!! Al about a bear who practices hard, pursues his dreams, but recognizes and respects family and the love and support he received at home. Lovely illustrations as well. Found it at the library, but decided we must have a copy for our own collection. Highly recommend.

Libro meraviglioso, bellissima storia, ottime immagini.

i can get such a nice condition secondhand book. Thank you that you sent from the far-off country!!!!! i would like to use this to study English.

dá pra trabalhar diversos contextos na sala de aula! Vou utilizar em várias faixa etárias!! Super recomendado na sala de aula!

Love this story such a heartwarming read for children. Will get this one for my class at school! Recommend you try this

The story is easy to follow and interesting enough that I think various ages would enjoy. Even as an adult I had fun going through the book and find out how things turned out. There are lots of pictures as well and they're very colourful with lovely art. I will be looking at getting the rest of this series.