The Bear and the Piano
By David Litchfield
A forest bear’s surprising piano talent takes him from woodland peace to a dazzling, unfamiliar world.
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.59
From 37 readers
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What does the Pageticker team say about The Bear and the Piano?
The Bear and The Piano imaginatively combines a bear’s musical ambition with a tender exploration of friendship, homesickness and belonging. David Litchfield’s atmospheric illustrations make the forest and the city feel wonderfully distinct, whilst the bear’s journey offers plenty to discuss with young children. It is especially well suited to shared reading for children aged 2-7.
Genres
What is The Bear and the Piano about?
In a lush forest, a young bear discovers a mysterious object—a piano. Intrigued, he teaches himself to play, enchanting his woodland friends with beautiful melodies. When city dwellers hear his music, they invite him to perform in the bustling metropolis. The bear becomes a celebrated star, but soon realises he misses his forest home and the friends he left behind. This heartwarming tale highlights the importance of following one's dreams while cherishing the bonds of friendship and belonging.
About the author
David Litchfield is a talented author and illustrator from the UK. He is best known for creating the much-loved picture book 'The Bear and the Piano'. David’s stories are full of warmth, imagination, and beautiful artwork that inspire children to dream big and believe in themselves.
Discussion ideas around The Bear and the Piano
Trying something new: What makes the bear keep practising the piano, even when the sounds are not beautiful at first?
Dreams and choices: Why do you think the bear chooses to visit the city, and what might you do if you were offered an exciting chance far from home?
Home and belonging: What does the forest mean to the bear, and what places or people help you feel that you belong?
Friendship and support: How do the bear’s forest friends help him, and how can friends show that they are proud of one another?
Music and feelings: How do the pictures and the bear’s music help us understand what he is feeling at different points in the story?
Pages
40 pages
Reading age
Picture Book (2-7)
This edition
2016
First published
2015
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