The Bear and the Wildcat by Kazumi Yumoto, illustrated by Komako Sakai This beautifully produced picturebook is about a bear who has lost his best friend, a little coral-coloured bird, and carries him around in a box. Told he must “forget”, he hides away — until one spring day he emerges, and meets a free-spirited wildcat, who recognises the importance of the box and plays the violin for the bear and his chum. The music brings back happy memories, so the bear can bury the bird knowing they will always be together. A future of friendship, travel and music beckons. The text is full of colour (petals, pretty leaves, glistening water) but the illustrations are in skilful monochrome, with touches of coral added as the story grows hopeful. Some pages dare to be wordless, some have text and no pictures, creating a rhythm of poetic language and images to dwell upon. A gentle, suggestive, thoughtful book.
Children's book of the week
Beautiful illustrations and considered layout make this poetic picturebook one to remember