The Bonsai Bear [Hardcover]

Bernard Libster (Author), Aries Cheung (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Issa is the greatest bonsai master in all of Japan. With his special techniques, he is able to make trees stay small and perfectly shaped. His wife Kyomi is skilled in the arts of painting and weaving, so their lives are filled with beauty. But something is missing: they have no children.

One day, they receive an unusual gift, an orphan bear cub. They quickly fall in love with the delightful little bear and name him Doukeshi. Since the Emperor forbids the keeping of wild animals, Issa uses bonsai techniques to prevent the tiny bear from growing. Issa even tries to make him look like a cat so no one will notice.

Kyomi wants Doukeshi to grow so he can run freely in the forest. But Issa loves him too much to let him go. Finally, the God of Bears visits Issa in a dream and shows him that the greatest love is allowing Doukeshi to return to his wild nature.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bernard Libster is a man of many interests. Initially intending to pursue a medical career, he decided to become a writer after spontaneously composing a poem one night. Raised in Golden's Bridge, New York, Bernie now resides in the New Jersey suburb of Hasbrouck Heights, where he works as an advertising copywriter. He enjoys writing essays, short stories, and Haiku, the Japanese form of short poetry. "My inspirations are the Japanese poets, Issa and Basho, and the Italian children's writer Gianni Rodari." Bernie has lived in Mexico, France, and England and has traveled widely in Italy. He loves to cook, bicycle, and sing (while driving alone in the car). Bernie and his wife, author Marian Calabro, are owned by two cats, Zooty and Penny. The Bonsai Bear was inspired by their previous cat, Jester-the-Bear.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Illumination Arts Publishing Company (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0935699155
• ISBN-13: 978-0935699159
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,816,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, touching tale, December 28, 1999

By 

Louis A De Vito (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bonsai Bear (Hardcover)

This story of a well meaning bonsai artist who wants to keep an orphan bear small using bonsai techniques is very well written and moving. The conflict between wanting to control, but recognizing that it's necessary to allow growth and development is central to the story. It is beautifully done, and the illustrations are perfect for the story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and poignant, November 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bonsai Bear (Hardcover)

This middle-aged reader loved this elegant little book. It does what great folk tales do: it hits you right in the heart, haunting and delighting you long after the final page. The vibrant watercolor illustrations marry beautifully with the story. I look forward to introducing the children in my life to Issa, Kyomi, and Doukeshi.

4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly illustrated, January 6, 2005

By 

Daniel J. Benor "DB@wholistichealingresearch... (Bellmawr, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bonsai Bear (Hardcover)

This is a pleasantly illustrated tale of a childless couple in Japan who adopt a bear cub. The husband is a master at bonsai, the art of shaping miniature trees. He shapes the bear so that it doesn't grow up and can stay in the family. The wife prevails upon him to let the bear grow up and return to the wild.

Suitable for ages 8-12.