"On Thursday he had grown too big
for my hat. So he curled up tightly,
safe and warm in my bag.
"Good night, little bear. Sleep tight."
I held the bag close as we sailed
through the night."
Imagine finding a polar bear in your garden! Then, imagine again that it is tiny enough to fit in your hand. That is exactly what happens to the little one who narrates this appealing story of friendship and flights of fancy.
The two spend their days together, with the child carefully caring for the bear as they experience spending their time together. By Wednesday, the bear is too big to fit in a pocket. The child decides that it must be time to return the bear to its home. Launching a small sailboat, they take to the sea. By Thursday, the bear doesn't fit in a pocket or a hat. A tote bag keeps him warm and comfortable for a nap.
By Friday the bear has grown again, and no longer fits in the bag. Now, he can travel on the child's shoulder. The winds push them forward, up and down, and always toward home for the bear. They have constant companions in the birds in the sky and the warmth of the sun. Seals rise up from the ocean to greet them.
On Sunday, the bear is too big for the boat.
"So I climbed up onto his back."
The homecoming scene is lovely. Family greets the growing bear, and the day is spent in welcome play. As the sky darkens, the boy knows it is time for him to return home, even though he would prefer to stay. Their goodbye is full of warmth and promise.
Cheerful artwork, done in paint and Photoshop, perfectly matches the story's tone and whimsy.
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