Synopses & Reviews
Instead of hibernating as he should, a little bear cub goes out in search of spring—and he thinks he's found it! Gloriously illustrated with dioramas and cut-paper collages by the award-winning designer and illustrator Carin Berger, this stunning picture book celebrates the changing of the seasons.
A baby bear cub named Maurice is curious about spring—and he's upset when Mama tells him that before he can experience his first spring, he has to hibernate through his first winter! Mischievous Maurice decides to leave their warm den and go find spring for himself. He asks all his friends for help . . . and finally finds something beautiful and full of magic and light. Spring! He wraps it up and takes it home, determined to show Mama and everyone else. The only problem? When Maurice wakes up, his little piece of spring (a snowball) has melted. This gloriously illustrated book celebrates friendship, curiosity, discovery, and the meaning and beauty of two seasons—winter and spring. Ideal for the classroom, seasonal story times, and bedtime reading.
Review
Praise for Forever Friends:“A lovely window onto the seasonal round.” The Horn Book
Review
“Sophisticated, sensitive and accessible, this picture book will offer new insights and pleasures with each season.” Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Multidimensional and magical . . . Exceptional, exhilarating artwork perfectly suited for a story about anticipation, discovery and joy.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Review
“The balletic grace of Bergers artwork provides exceptional visual drama throughout.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
“Breathtaking . . . The beauty Maurice found is there for all to see.” Horn Book Magazine
Review
“With Bergers gentle storytelling and warm, joyful art, this is a winning entry into spring-themed picture books.” School Library Journal
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“Chock-full of visual cues and information, this is a charming exploration of seasonal changes.” Booklist
Review
“Beautiful collage illustrations help tell the story of one little bears exuberant search for springeven though he should be hibernating. . . . A sweet ending helps readers celebrate the changing of the seasons.” Shelf Awareness
Review
“Bergers storytelling is . . . streamlined to maximize the drama of Maurices first sightings of both winter and spring. Elegant illustrations . . . skillfully evoke the wonder of nature, and the craft will draw extended study from artistically minded youngsters.” Bulletin of the Center for Children & #8217;s Books
Synopsis
Spring, Spring,
spring!
Spring is all a little bear
named Maurice
can think about.
Where is it?
What is it?
When will it arrive?
Impatient and curious
and not at all sleepy,
Maurice sets out . . .
But before Maurice
finds spring, he discovers
something magical indeed—
winter!
About the Author
Carin Berger is an award-winning designer and illustrator. Her cut-paper collages are made using ephemera, such as catalogues, old books, receipts, letters, and ticket stubs. In a starred review,
Kirkus said of her
Forever Friends, "Sophisticated, sensitive, and accessible, this picture book will offer new insights and pleasures with each season."
The Little Yellow Leaf was a 2008
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books selection, and in a starred review,
Publishers Weekly called her
A Perfect Day "lovely." She is also the illustrator of the acclaimed
Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and
Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, both by Jack Prelutsky, among other books. She lives with her family in New York City.
Carin Berger is an award-winning designer and illustrator. Her cut-paper collages are made using ephemera, such as catalogues, old books, receipts, letters, and ticket stubs. In a starred review, Kirkus said of her Forever Friends, "Sophisticated, sensitive, and accessible, this picture book will offer new insights and pleasures with each season." The Little Yellow Leaf was a 2008 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books selection, and in a starred review, Publishers Weekly called her A Perfect Day "lovely." She is also the illustrator of the acclaimed Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, both by Jack Prelutsky, among other books. She lives with her family in New York City.