The Bear and the Piano

This is one of my new favorites! I am a children's librarian and I purchased this book in honor of a dear friend who is retiring. Her class mascot has always been "bears" (Mrs B's Bears), she is a piano teacher and she will be performing with a choir at Carnegie Hall this fall. So, this book seemed to be a perfect choice. It did not disappoint. The story is one that will enchant adults as well as appeal to children. The story is sweet, the bear is so very likable, and the bond that he has with his friends is what makes the story so very special. Not only is the story one that children won't get tired of hearing, the pictures are also magical and enduring. The bear matures and leaves home, but never forgets his friends and what they mean to him. In the end, he realizes what is important in his life. I am already anticipating the smiles I will see on the children's faces when I read this story to them for the first time. I highly recommend this book. It is truly a keeper!

The best children's books have appealing characters and situations, are well written, and teach an important life lesson without being didactic or obvious about their message. David Litchfield accomplishes all these things in "The Bear and the Piano". When a little bear discovers a piano in the forest glen, he diligently practices until he is an accomplished pianist. While his forest friends enjoy his concerts and praise him, the bear wants to venture into the wider world. There he reaches the heights of fame and fortune, but realizes they are not all there is in life. He is missing the true friendship he enjoyed while living in the forest. Returning to the forest, bear discovers that the fears he held about going home and the apprehension he felt were unwarranted. The joyful reunion with his friends and the happiness he finds once more remind children that fame and fortune are not the be-all and end-all in life. Beautiful, vibrantly colored illustrations add to the overall appeal of "The Bear and the Piano". The details are often so subtle that even after multiple readings of the book, you will discover new facets to the pictures that will add to your enjoyment of the story.

I'm delighted with this book for my two great-granddaughters (ages 3 and 5) and putting it in their Christmas package to mail to them. It's hard not being around them but they have learned that when a new book arrives, it is special and it is from Nana. The story is interesting, the illustrations are vivid and some take the whole page with the words written right across the forest. I thought it told the story nicely with a lesson about friends.

Beautiful book!!! Al about a bear who practices hard, pursues his dreams, but recognizes and respects family and the love and support he received at home. Lovely illustrations as well. Found it at the library, but decided we must have a copy for our own collection. Highly recommend.

The illustrations are beautiful and the story is straightforward. I wonder if it would have inspired me to practice the piano daily and with less complaint when I was a child ?

This is the 2nd copy of The Bear and the Piano book I purchased to give as a gift. It has lovely illustrations and a sweet gentle theme. This copy arrived today, 2/8/19 and is brand new. It was in a brown padded envelope that I received it in 2 days after placing my order. I highly recommend this book for little ones.

This is such a touching book. It teaches kids to be persistent; it teaches kids to have big dreams and follow them; and it teaches kids that your family and friends will always be there for you. It is wonderfully written and illustrated. I have shared this book with all of my friends who have kids between ages 2 to 5.

This is a wonderfully illustrated and written picture book that expresses emotion and connects with our longing for friendship while pursuing life’s passion. The artwork is incredible!

Libro meraviglioso, bellissima storia, ottime immagini.

i can get such a nice condition secondhand book. Thank you that you sent from the far-off country!!!!! i would like to use this to study English.

dá pra trabalhar diversos contextos na sala de aula! Vou utilizar em várias faixa etárias!! Super recomendado na sala de aula!

A piano! A perfectly ordinary piano right in the clearing of a wood... Once upon a time a young bear cub walks into the clearing, and is mystified by this strange and beautiful object. Intrigued, he starts to play it, and marvels at the strange sound it makes... and as time passes he finds the beauty of the music he creates uplifts his emotions and fills his heart with joy. Then the unexpected happens. He receives the chance of a lifetime - will this fulfil his dreams or does his heart long for the simple life he had before? A wonderful tale about unexpected talent, the joy and beauty of music, and the sense that home is a very special place indeed. Wonderfully written and illustrated by David Lichfield, this award-winning book is a joy to read again and again

The story is easy to follow and interesting enough that I think various ages would enjoy. Even as an adult I had fun going through the book and find out how things turned out. There are lots of pictures as well and they're very colourful with lovely art. I will be looking at getting the rest of this series.