The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's Concert

Do you remember the story of the bear who found the piano in the woods? Years later, the dream is over and Bear has returned to the forest. The piano stands forgotten in the clearing, but can new arrival Little Bear convince her father to play once again?

The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's Concert is the final instalment of David Litchfield's award winning Bear trilogy. It again follows the Bear as he continues to play beautiful music for all to hear in the big city. However, as time moves on and as Bear grows older, the pianos, the stages and the applause become less grand. Saddened, Bear decides it is time to leave the city, and music, behind him and return to the forest. Readjusting to life away from the city is hard....Bear misses the lights, the noises and buzz of city life but that all changes with the arrival of his daughter, Little Bear.

The following years are full of excitement as Bear helps and watches Little Bear grow until one day, after racing ahead of Bear, Little Bear stumbles upon something she has never seen before....her dad's piano. Bear shares all the stories of his time in the city and of the music he shared with the crowds but when asked by Little Bear to play again, her dad sadly slumps back into forest, adamant that no one wants to listen to a "silly old bear" like him.

Full of pride for her dad, Little Bear conjures up a plan.....will the sound of music once again fill the air around the Bear?

Once again, David Litchfield has a created a magical and magnificent story that perfectly brings the story of Bear to an end. The story flows seamlessly throughout and you feel a connection to Bear as he you see him ride a roller coaster of emotions throughout. Not only does he have to come to terms with his dream coming to an end but he also has to adapt to fatherhood, too. Not surprisingly, David's illustrations are truly beautiful and enhance the story hugely. The mix of words and images really bring the story to life and so much information can be inferred from reading the pictures.

This trilogy has been one of the most beautiful sets of picture books in recent times and can easily be used across all phases in primary school with older children able to grasp the deeper messages of growth and maybe even depression. The text lends itself perfectly to innovations and units of work in art.

An absolute gem of a book.

Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

When the popularity of Bear's Big Band declines, Bear returns home to the forest permanently. Initially, he struggles to adjust to life back there, but when Little Bear comes along, everything changes and he finds happiness again. Little Bear and he have a wonderful time together and one day, their adventures lead Little Bear to stumble on something she had never seen before- Bear's piano and memorabilia from his adventure in the city. Noticing how sad her father becomes when he tells her his piano playing days are over, Little Bear takes action and invites his old friend, Hugo, for a visit. For some time, there is no response, but one morning, the bears wake to hear beautiful music floating through the trees...

This is the third and - sadly - final book about Bear and it is as enchanting as its fellows. In this story, Bear delights in the joy and wonder of parenthood which helps him to cope with the missing the city and his musical career. The father-daughter relationship is captured perfectly- Bear gazes at his child with s much tenderness, proudly watching over her as she explores and learns about the world. Little Bear's eyes widen in awe as she hears of her father's achievements and then fill with concern as she feels his sorrow. Her love for her father makes her take action, resulting in the book's very happy and satisfying conclusion.

Music makes Bear happy and the joy and fellowship he gained from his time in the city endures beyond the fickle popularity of fame as music brings people together to share a common joy. When Hugo received Little Bear's message, those bonds of friendship drew the other animals to him- and that glow of warmth, compassion and camaraderie is the one which stays with the reader at the end of the story.

It goes without saying that the illustrations are stunning - this is a David Litchfield book! How he manages to make the forest glow with warmth and light is pure magic. Each spread is beautiful - full of details which lend themselves to telling stories within the story, noticing things about the characters and being amazed by the talent of the artist! Even the end papers add to the narrative. I am so sorry this is the last book about Bear but, if it has to be, this is the perfect way to finish his story.

Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+