"Mae wore a special hat
so a bear would think
she was just another bear.
Bear wore a special hat
so a person would think
he was just another person."
This lovely new book about friendship and imagination begins with the premise that 'not everyone loves a train.' Despite that, the time may come when a train is the only option. Mae, a very small girl, knows that trains go where bears are. Bears like to eat small things; Mae is small. Bear knows that trains go where people are. Small people like to eat big things; bear is big.
In preparation for their first rides on a train, both Mae and Bear decide a new hat is what's needed to protect themselves. A bear hat for Mae and a person hat for Bear should keep both safe. It takes a bit of courage to believe in the power of those hats. It turns out that they are transformative. Each sits down beside the other, with some trepidation. After an initial greeting, Mae brings out her tea set, offering the grown-up beside her a cup. Though neither is comfortable about the train trip, it helps that Bear has a blanket and a snack to go with the tea.
The security of friendly camaraderie helps each see from a new perspective. Together the two can appreciate the quiet wonder that being on a train affords.
"There was a lot to notice, too.
Especially the big things they could have missed:
How a train carries the sky on its back.
How birds join it.
How to make a friend
who also thinks
this feels like flying."
I have great admiration for Jessixa Bagley and her incredible ability to add visual energy to Kate Hoefler's flawlessly told story. Her striking changes in perspective allow young readers to really appreciate the growing friendship. Quiet humor is revealed in the differences between text and image. Mae is pleased to have a grown-up companion while Bear is happy to have a small cub beside him. Gifting each other with their courage hats seems the perfect ending to their shared journey. Or is it? A mutual destination is revealed in the final frame ... surprise!
No comments:
Post a Comment