Synopses & Reviews
A dejected soldier makes a pact with the devil in this haunting, ultimatelyhopeful fairy tale, masterfully retold and vividly illustrated.
Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bears skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, THE BEARSKINNER is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.
Synopsis
"Schlitz narrates with clarity, grace, and sensitivity. . . . A provocative edition that should set older children thinking about the meaning of endurance and heroism." -- HORN BOOK (starred review) Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear's skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, THE BEARSKINNER is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.
About the Author
Laura Amy Schlitz is the author of three other books for children: GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES!; THE HERO SCHLIEMANN: THE DREAMER WHO DUG FORTROY; and A DROWNED MAIDEN'S HAIR, a Cybils Award winner. A librarian and professional storyteller, Laura Amy Schlitz lives in Maryland.
Max Grafe has illustrated several books for children, including OLD COYOTE by Nancy Wood, THE WEE CHRISTMAS CABIN OF CARN-NA-WEEN by Ruth Sawyer, and EYE OF THE WOLF by Daniel Pennac. Max Grafe lives in New York.