Customer Reviews

Bear Party (Picture Puffin books)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This quiet gem of a book has illustrations which transcend the merely beautiful - they evoke a kind of deeply-felt otherworldliness, in the same way that dreams can. I had this book as a child, and it left a special, magical, imprint unlike any other book I remember. It's a nice story as well. It's a pity that it seems to be out of print. Grab it if you have the chance. I have only seen (& own) the hardcover edition, so I don't know how thw softcover measures up.

The bears of Koala Park in Australia all become angry and stop speaking to each other. This bothers the wise old bear so he decides to throw a costume ball, where they can become friendly again not knowing who they are talking to. Beautifully illustrated by the author, this was a 1951 Caldecott Honor book.

I am replacing a book my father got for me 55 years ago or so. The book was misplaced in transit and when I made the seller aware of the problem it was fixed in a timely fashion. The book is in new condition and Woody's books was responsive to my need. Great Job.

I grew up with this book and it made a lasting impression on me. It's the costumes I remember from childhood.

I have to admit it. This book left me scratching my head wondering exactly what the other reviewers saw in it.

The Story: The koalas at the zoo have become disenchanted with one another. No one remembers why, but the end result is that they are not speaking to one another. The wisest koala decides that if they have a great costume ball that all will again become copacetic. Well, the rest of the less-wise koalas love the idea. They soon gather in their many costumes and dance their many dances. At sundown, they happily obey the suggestion of the wise old Koala to take their costumes off. (The wise old koala believes that once the costumes are off that they will behave more civilly.) So what happens?

It turns out all the anger isn't gone. Despite having such a fine party, the bears can't let go of their crankiness because they can't tell who is who. We are told by the author that "Koala bears are famous for looking very much alike...." and so they go back to being angry.

The Hunting Bear
didn't know the Nurse Bear.

The Indian Bear didn't
know the Chinese Bear.

They started to get angry all
over again and some low growling
was heard.

The wise old bear is not flummoxed by this turn of events. Mustering up his wisdom, he suggests they all put their costumes back on and go on with the dance. This they do and the Koala's dance the night away. And

The next day, it turns out that the bears had such a good time that they decide to wear parts of their costumes... and so [drum roll] they learn to differentiate themselves once again. And... the book concludes with: "He scratched his head and thought: "From now on, in Koala Park, there must be many, many more BEAR PARTIES!"

Huh? Perhaps the point is that we need differences to get along. Or perhaps there is no point. [Or perhaps I could be more creative about finding one if I had more sleep and more coffee.]

I can only explain the Caldecott Honor by way of the 1951 publication date. The 50's are not particularly well know for great children's writing. But then again... the other 2 reviewers seem to love this book. In any case, hope this helps.

TwoStars. Intriguing artwork. Story leaves this mom feeling like years of college were wasted. And if the point is this hard for an adult to grasp, what chance have young children got?