""Bear," whispered Rat. "Will you still
hold my hand if I do something really,
really bad?"
"I'll still hold your hand," replied Bear.
"I know you won't do it again.""
Rat and Panda are great friends, always holding hands and supporting each other. On a windy autumn day, Rat asks Panda an important question. He asks if the two will always hold hands - 'even when we are old and wrinkly ... '
Panda does what best friends do: he reassures his tiny companion. He promises that if Rat holds his hand, he will always be there for him. As day to turns to night, and autumn turns to winter, the two continue spending their days together. The next question concerns reading stories and being sleepy. And so it goes.
From one season to the next, and one scenario to another, the two stick together. Always supportive and encouraging each other to be the best they can be. As summer brings warm sunshine and bold adventure, Rat asks a question that evokes a pause in their conversation.
"Bear," said Rat. "What if I have to leave and go
somewhere you can't come?"
Bear recognizes the importance of Rat's disquiet and gives it careful thought.
"Then, Rat," said Bear. "I'll be sadder than sad.
The dam might burst, and I will cry until no
tears are left ... "
Bear's full answer is what everyone of us would want to hear if we asked that same question of our own best friends. This is a lovely story that comforts young listeners as they consider saying goodbye to someone they love.
The affectionate watercolor, ink, and pencil artwork provides a splendid complement to the emotions of the characters. Bear's sadness at considering the honesty in his friend's question is evident in a series of spot images that are endearing and full of love.
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