Review by Booklist Review
It's almost spring and time for Duck to take to the skies. Alas, he never leaves the ground, instead getting caught in some branches. Duck's noisy mishap has awakened nearby snoozing Bear, who, once outside, comes upon sore, stuck, and feistily self-protective Duck. Turns out though, Bear's no threat, and he carries Duck to his cozy cave to help him recuperate. Soon they become pals, enjoying conversation and companionship. Eventually, Duck's able to fly and join his flock overhead; and despite Duck promising to return, Bear's left sad and lonely. With winter's arrival, Bear repairs to his den to sleep--until he hears birdsong and finds spring has come, bringing bright blooms, sunshine, and a happy reunion. Enchanting woodcut illustrations depict spirited Duck and more low-key Bear, individually and together, in scenarios amusing and sweet, judiciously using color and evocative elements to convey seasons and natural settings. Descriptive prose, translated from French, employs lively and eloquent touches; concepts of migration and hibernation are alluded to, though may need explaining. An enjoyable, charming, and reassuring story of friendship.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Duck's day is not off to a good start. When his take-off goes horribly wrong, he gets stuck in a tangle of branches. Bear's day is not off to a good start either. He is awoken from his winter's slumber by a big racket outside his den. When he goes to investigate, he finds Duck, who fears the worst from a bear. His fears are unfounded. Bear not only rescues Duck, but gives him shelter, food, and water. As Duck recovers, he and Bear spend their time telling stories and splashing in the pond until the day Duck feels well enough to join a flock heading South. He tells his friend, "Thank you Bear! I'll see you soon. Don't worry--I'll be back." Bear does worry he won't ever see his friend again, but soon enough hibernation supersedes everything. In the spring, Bear visits the pond for a bath and nap in the sun where he is happily awoken by the quacking of his friend. Life is good now that they are together again. Angeli's outstanding wood-engraved illustrations effectively give life and personality to her characters while her palette of colors is just right, especially for her landscapes. Bear has all the grumpiness of an Eeyore, and the delight the characters take in each other's company is right there on the page. VERDICT A sweet tale of an unexpected but meaningful friendship, a mild lesson in patience, and a message of caring--this tale is recommended for all collections.--Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Lib., Troy, NH
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
It is the end of winter. With a running start, Duck attempts to take flight but crashes and injures himself. This racket wakes Bear from hibernation; Bear gently carries Duck to his den and feeds him. As Duck heals, the two spend time together, Bear admiring Duck's stories of life out in the world. When Duck is able to fly again, he leaves, promising to return. Bear mourns his friend's absence, saying to himself, "I guess that's life, as they say when sad things happen." The next year, after Bear wakes from a long winter's sleep, a happy reunion occurs: "Get up, old Bear!" says Duck. "I'm back!" This French import is an intergenerational story, albeit a furry and feathery kind: Bear describes himself as "far too old," and Duck has the vim and vigor of a youngster. The text is filled with sensory delights ("The first buds were bursting, and from the last patches of snow, the violets' perfume filled the air") as well as moments of humor ("Come any closer and I'll break your head!" Duck threatens Bear when they first meet). The wood engravings that adorn each page are intricate and deliciously textured. The colors both brighten and soften as spring comes and the friendship between Bear and Duck deepens; this subtle shift in palette heightens the book's emotional impact. An affectionate story of an unexpected friendship. Julie Danielson November/December 2020 p.64(c) Copyright 2020. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Bear and Duck's friendship begins with a threat and an act of kindness. When an injured duck caught in a tangle of branches and a bear taking a stroll after winter hibernation meet, Duck makes the first move, shouting a warning to stay away or the bear will lose his head. Bear finds the fear behind that threat amusing, considering his advanced age and lack of teeth. Instead Bear brings Duck home to care for him in his den. As Duck recuperates, the two take walks, with Duck riding on Bear's back. While Bear bathes in the water, Duck splashes about and tells wonderful stories of his adventures. But soon Duck knows he must join the other birds and fly away. Bear is lonely and fears that he will never see Duck again. He sleeps through another winter, and the next spring Duck returns for a happy reunion. It is a gentle tale, told with tenderness and humor. Duck seems to be the dominant personality while Bear is patient, gentle, and admiring. They are both male and of wildly different species, but these details are less a factor in their friendship than acceptance and warmth. Illustrations in full- and partial-page wood engravings beautifully capture both the forested seasonal landscapes and the characters' expressive body language. A loving, nonjudgmental tale of a long and lasting friendship. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
