Bear Island

(Paperback)

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Description

A picture book about healing after a bereavement, the death of a loved one or a family pet, by Caldecott Medallist Matthew Cordell. 'In a story that respects griefs slow pace, Cordells writing and artwork together carry grace and heart.' Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Cordell speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery.' New York Times Louise and her family are sad after their beloved dog Charlie dies. Life will not be the same, Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on the island, something strange happens: she meets a bear who teaches her that getting over a bereavement takes time and that sometimes, things can change for the better.

Reviews

"Cordell speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery." * New York Times *
"In a story that respects griefs slow pace, Cordells writing and artwork together carry grace and heart." * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
"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 *
"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 *

Author Bio

Matthew Cordell is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including Wolf in the Snow, winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal, and praised as Beautifully paced . . . ultimately reassuring by the Wall Street Journal. He lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, author Julie Halpern, and their two children. www.matthewcordell.com