Every Autumn Comes the Bear

Arnosky, Jim

ISBN 10: 0613880862 ISBN 13: 9780613880862

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 1996

Synopsis

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Every autumn a bear shows up behind the farm, and goes through a series of routines before finding a den among the hilltop boulders where he sleeps all winter long.

About this title

About the Author

Jim Arnosky is well known for his "keen observations of nature and his fine artistic talent" (School Library Journal). He has written and illustrated many children’s books. Otters Under Water was called "first-rate natural history for the youngest" by Kirkus Reviews (pointer review), and School Library Journal wrote that in it "each of his creatures exhibits a distinct individualism." Every Autumn Comes the Bear was called "vibrant, translucent and strikingly composed" by Publishers Weekly, and Booklist wrote "Arnosky's radiant pictures have a dazzling sense of pattern and composition . . . and a sense of mystery. A beautiful, imaginative, and informative approach." School Library Journal said of Rabbits & Raindrops, “Perfect for story-time or lap-time reading, this book will give children a feeling of security and contentment.”

Jim Arnosky and his family live on a twenty-acre farm in Vermont.

copyright © 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-With spare text to accompany the stunning watercolor illustrations, Arnosky tells a simple story of the sequence of seasons. Knowing that winter is coming, a huge, black bear appears in the wooded hill behind a farm, searching for a resting place. Menacing the smaller animals who inhabit these woods, he follows each trail until he finds an appropriate den for his long sleep. It is the pencil and watercolor images that provide the excitement here, as each creature in turn is alerted to the bear's presence. Although they remain motionless and seemingly hidden, he knows they are there. One powerful double-page spread depicts a frightened raccoon huddled in a hollow log on which the bear stands as he drinks from a spring. Occasionally, the effort to sound poetic is a bit forced; the word juxtapositions used to create the mood seem awkward, as with the title. Nonetheless, the overall effect created by the few words on each page integrated with the large, colorful illustrations is a harmonious one. The size of the pictures makes this especially appropriate for group sharing, and the subject matter suggests that it could be used with other books about hibernation and the change of seasons. A welcome addition to picture-book collections that should prove to be popular with beginning readers.
Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0613880862
• ISBN 13: 9780613880862
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32