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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Bear and the Whisper of the Wind, written and illustrated by marianne dubuc. Princeton Architectural Press, Raincoast. 2022. $24.95 ages 4 and up

 


"It's been so long since he's spoken to someone. 
Bear almost has forgotten how.

Before Bear can make up his mind, Rabbit 
peeks out from a window. 
"It's going to be dark soon!"
he says, inviting Bear inside.
"

I look forward to any new book by Marianne Dubuc. Her elegant artwork using pencil, colored pencil and watercolor draws readers into her quietly told stories. Children are drawn to her characters and their actions. They will admire Bear, who lives in a comfortable house, welcomes guests, and enjoys the life he lives. 

Then one day, when the wind changes, Bear makes the decision to pack his things and leave everything behind him. He is looking for 'something new'. He leaves his comfy home, with no destination in mind. He simply walks, enjoying his surroundings and moving forward. When he comes upon a rabbit living in a cozy house, he stops. 

Bear is uncertain about approaching the rabbit. He has been on his own for some time now. Rabbit proves welcoming and invites Bear inside. Bear feels much better than he has in recent days. He stays to offer help with work that needs to be done. Before long, he hears another whisper in the wind. It's time to carry on. 

Bear feels concern about some of the choices he has made. A frog along Bear's path suggests that his journey is not at an end yet. Bear frets, and suddenly realizes he is LOST. What can he do now? Finding shelter from a gathering storm, he remains there until a small mouse finds him and shows him a little valley. As luck would have it, Bear finally finds a quiet, wind-free harbor. 

Marianne Dubuc is as adept at storytelling as she is with glorious illustrations. She shows young children what a well-lived life can be. She encouarges her readers to think about friendship, compassion, community, making wise decisions, and moving forward. Absolutely lovely!                                                                                     


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