An unlikely friendship develops between an older bear and a baby bird after one helps the other. Over the years, they spend time together sharing berries and keeping each other safe. Although they hate saying goodbye each autumn, they dream about their spring reunions. One year Bird cannot find Bear and learns about his friend’s death from her grandson. “Bear went into her den last autumn for the winter sleep. But she did not come out this spring. She is gone.” Bird is reminded that although death touches us all, it’s okay to be sad and that instead of being alone with our memories, it’s better to share them or, better yet, make more with a new friend. Younger children may find the text too wordy and drawn out, but Thermes’s illustrations are bright and appealing. The animals express their sadness with their eyes and posture, but there are no tears, and the mood is sorrowful, not bleak and dreary.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

When a young robin falls from his nest, Bear helps out by lifting him into a tree, thus cementing a new friendship in this story about the cycle of life. Throughout that season and for many years to come, the young bird and old bear meet in the meadow sharing berries and conversation. Only during the winter, when Bird has migrated and Bear is hibernating, are the two apart. Bird is heartbroken one spring when he returns to the meadow and Bear is gone. His sorrow is mitigated when he makes a new friend that has much in common with the old bear. Bright, guileless pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations vary in size and gently show the age-old story of life and loss. The simple shapes, outlined in black, and clear, pleasing colors will appeal to young children. Pair this with Mo Willem’s City Dog, Country Frog (2010) for a similar tale with a hopeful ending.

Old Bear and baby Bird become close friends.
After Bear returns unsuccessful fledgling Bird to his nest, they forge a friendship based on a strong commitment to helping each other find the best berries and avoid hunters. They are sad when Bird flies off for the winter, but Bear hibernates, and come spring, their friendship resumes. And so it goes for a few years, but then age begins to catch up with Bear. Sadly, Bird migrates south, and when he returns, he cannot find Bear. Instead, he finds Bear’s granddaughter, who explains to him that Bear has died. The granddaughter bear helps Bird through his grief by encouraging him to remember the good times that they shared. A new friendship emerges as Bird shows Bear’s granddaughter the way to the best berries. Skofield’s writing is tender and, with adult guidance, accessible to young readers who may be dealing with the death of an elderly loved one. His narrative features short sentences and frequent conversations between the animals. Thermes’ watercolor art, both full-page and spot, is bright and inviting, highlighting the contrast in size between the animals.
A good title to share when talking about death with children. (Picture book. 4 -7)