THE BOY AND THE BEAR
Written by: Tracey Corderoy
Illustrated by: Sarah Massini
Published by: 2017 Nosey Crow Ltd UK
Ages: 2 – 5 years
Theme: Unlikely friendship, Loneliness, Loyalty
Opening Lines: Once upon a time, there lived a boy who wanted to play.
Synopsis: (on the back of the book) One small boy wishes he had a Best Friend… And when he discovers a message written on a little paper boat, he finds that the perfect friend is sometimes the unlikeliest of all.
Why I like this: This delightful whimsical story is sweet and simple showing that things don’t always work out the way we expect, and special friends are those that are loyal and faithful, and leave lasting impressions. And it’s true – absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Whimsical illustrations of mixed-media format in water-colour blues and greens of pond life really capture the mood of the writing. The origami plane at the beginning and the boats that float with messages are a nice touch. Sparse text carries us through the seasons bringing us to an aww moment. This would also make a great mentor text – a story with heart, lyrical text with the rule of threes, page turns, a main character with a problem, and finishing in a satisfactory near circular resolution
Resources/Findings: You can have a peek at The Boy and the Bear and also reviews from the critics here… https://nosycrow.com/product/the-boy-and-the-bear/
Author’s website… http://www.traceycorderoy.com/the-boy-and-the-bear
Also the author of “Just Right for Two”… https://thepatientdreamer.com/2014/11/29/perfect-picture-book-friday-88/
“Monty and Millie”… https://thepatientdreamer.com/2012/12/02/perfect-picture-book-friday-33/
And – “Little Penquin Lost” … https://thepatientdreamer.com/2015/02/14/perfect-picture-book-friday-93/
Among many others.
I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you. If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers. Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Sounds like a sweet book. Thanks.
Thanks Darlene. Yes it is.
I love that this unlikely friendship began with a message on a little paper boat. I’ve already hopped over to my library’s website to put this book on hold. Thank you for sharing it today. 🙂
You’re welcome Leslie. Enjoy!
Love the cover – and also wonder what it was like to grow up with the author’s last name!
Ha yes I often wonder too. I have reviewed a few of her books now. Love them.
Diane, I love that cover! Sounds like a touching book. I’ll have to see if I can find it. Thanks.
It is cute isn’t it? Tracey has a great way of writing stories and allowing the illustrations to be a little more specific. Great mentor text- imo!
I just took a look at the publisher’s sneak peek pages. The illustrations are great! And it sounds like a sweet book. Will see if I can find it. Thanks!
You’re welcome Jilanne. It is sweet but I like the way Tracey obviously pictures the illustration and therefore has sparse text leaving much for the illustrator. Great mentor text IMO!
The cover sold me! What a charming story about loyal friends! The illustrator’s artwork is exceptional!
Yes I agree beautiful illustrations that show such tenderness. Makes you want to look inside- right?
This sounds like a delightful book. I love the cover! having a special friend is so important! Thank you for sharing, Diane.
You are welcome Pamela. And I agree having a special friend is important. Glad you loved this one. Nice to see you here.