Title: Lily & Bear
Author/Illustrator: Lisa Stubbs
Age Group: 1-5
Synopsis: After drawing Bear into existence, he and Lily engage in all sorts of fun activities and find that they are true friends.
The Low Down:
Bug is just beginning to deal with taking turns. Every once in awhile he’ll surprise me with his thoughtfulness but mostly he’s worried more about his fun and his own enjoyment. Perfectly understandable at his age but definitely something I hope he’ll grow out of. When we go to the park with his little friends, he’s unconcerned with what there doing and only cares to swing. He should know what he likes and I want him to be independent but I also want him to be a good friend and that is what Lily and Bear is all about.
When Lily first draws Bear into existence they do all the thing that she enjoys. They draw, they have tea parties, they sail boxes like pirate ships. After awhile Bear wants to do things that he loves. There’s no argument, there’s no commotion. Stubbs merely writes that they both love each other. And so Lily does what Bear wants too. They scratch their backs on trees and catch salmon in the river. In the end the both curl up with one another and fall asleep under a starry sky. It’s such a great lesson about relationships in general, for in each relationship we have there will be some give and take in order for it to become a honest and worthwhile endeavor for both parties.
The entire book looks like it could have been drawn with crayons with the exception of delightfully colored patterns that decorate the sky and carpet. If was indeed drawn with crayon then it is lightyears beyond anything that I could possibly do myself with that medium. The effect is absolutely charming and simple, speaking to children in a way that is uncomplicated and just beautiful in it’s own honesty. That’s what the entire book is about, about being thoughtful, kind, and caring because in the end those are the foundations on which good and strong friendships are made.
Story Tips:
- There’s not much dialogue but we’ve woven that into the story ourselves. Viewing each page and guessing what Lily and Bear are saying. There’s a little bear in almost every page. We’ve given him a voice as well.
I need more!
Lisa Stubbs has recently released Grumpy Feet (Lily and Bear)
Add to my library:
UK Amazon:Lily and Bear
US Amazon: Lily and Bear
