Bird & Bear (Ann James, The Five Mile Press)

Bird & Bear is a beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the unfolding wonder of a young teddy bear as he ventures out into the world. We meet Bear on his ‘bearthday’ as he and his friend Bird head off on a special picnic. While Bear is down at the pier, he sees his reflection in the water and comes to the understanding that it is not another ‘him’ he sees but rather an image of himself. Author and illustrator Ann James uses this example to celebrate childhood and all of its associated discoveries, while evocative illustrations imbue the book with a sense of the innocence around which the narrative centres. Bird & Bear should appeal to a wide range of readers, both young and old, and bookstores, libraries and schools will find it a welcome addition to their children’s picture book collections. Bird & Bear is a story about the small moments of understanding that can change a young child’s life, and this sense of innocence and realisation is beautifully depicted in James’ book. This is a book to be savoured.

Natalie Crawford is a freelance reviewer and works at Dymocks Claremont

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Category: Reviews