The Bear and the Wildcat by Kazumi Yumoto, illustrated by Komako Sakai. Gecko Press, c2008, 2011, 2023
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? Bear is so sad that his best friend, Bird, has died. He makes a little box for Bird and carries it with him everywhere, then just stays shut away in his house mourning the loss and missing his friend. When he finally ventures out, he meets a wildcat who plays the violin. Together they bury Bird – and together they travel, the Cat playing songs with accompaniment from the Bear on tambourine. This is a beautiful tribute to love and friendship and mourning. The black and white illustrations, with a touch of pink, are soft, smudgy and perfect in rendering the sad mood of the story.
Anything you did not like about the book? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? Families who need help in sharing the death of a loved one, be it person or pet, with a child will welcome this soft, sweet look at mourning.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? For the intended audience, yes.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review: January 29, 2023
Youth Services Book Review 
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