From School Library Journal
Grade 1–3—With concise words and picturesque art, this book exhibits the joy in freedom of expression and the inadvisability of humanity's effort to contain it. Bear danced "…to bluebirds' sweet feathery music…until the moon rose and moon rays tickled his feet." He dances with gleeful exuberance on his face and his satisfaction in sleep is obvious. Bear's idyllic existence, however, ends in a setting reminiscent of medieval Europe, as men rob him of his carefree life in the wild, put him behind bars, collar him with bells, and train him—swaying on hind legs—to move to their own drumbeat and violin. Brief text, as expressive as the large images and pastel art, fills a succession of double-page images, allowing readers to empathize first with the plight of Bear and later to rejoice in his unrestrained dance of celebrated freedom. The richness of the palette highlights Bear and his wide range of emotions from delight to anger, sadness, and fear. This is a book to enjoy on dual levels, both as a simple artistic tale and as recognition of the interaction between humans and nature.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
