Bear is never alone

Bear's piano is in the middle of the forest, and animals throng to hear him play: "Everything in the forest is silent, except for the piano. Not even the birds are singing." Foliage-strewn b&w spreads with splashes of red have a printmaking feel; Verstegen (I'll Keep You Close) portrays dozens of expressive animal fans gathered around Bear, transfixed. But Bear is ready for a break. When he stops playing and closes the piano's lid, his audience clamors for more, giving chase when he takes off running. In an exchange wittily rendered by translator Watkinson, they even heckle him: "Does Mr. Piano Bear think he's too good for us now?" Pushed to the edge, Bear roars, terrifying them, and frightening himself, too. Only Zebra remains; unlike the others, who act as if Bear owes them music, Zebra--shown with typewritten stripes--thanks him and offers an exchange: reading him a story. Bear waves her off, until a sudden realization changes his mind. Although the tale's conclusion feels a bit abrupt after its substantial emotional build, scriptwriter Veerkamp's English-language debut conveys Bear's overwhelming, urgent need for quiet, and his need to set fierce boundaries to get it. Introverts will recognize themselves in Bear's experiences and warm to his solution: "Let's be alone together." Ages 4--8. (Apr.)

An ursine pianist flees fame and finds a friend. This elegant Dutch import centers on Bear, a piano player capable of wowing hordes of forest denizens. Alas, when he attempts to stop, the other animals will not hear of it. They harangue him, hounding him with cries of "MORE!" Pushed past the breaking point, he roars at them until only a lone zebra remains, offering to read him a story to thank him for the beautiful music. Bear refuses, then immediately recants with a gentle "Let's be alone together." While this ending is a bit abrupt, it is entirely possible that parents or children seeking solitude from the relentless love of others will see a bit of themselves in Bear's plight. The real stars of the show are Verstegen's stunning mixed-media illustrations. Almost wholly black and white, they're shot through on occasion by a vibrant bolt of red, providing just the right measures of surreal extremes and quiet contemplation. Consider pairing with another tale of tickling the ivories in the forest: David Litchfield's The Bear and the Piano (2015). (This book was reviewed digitally.) While cries for this one may not rival those of the protagonist's fans, it will find a happy home with solitude seekers. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.