The little bear is boooored. He's desperate for something to do, but he lives in a monochrome line world, with nothing around except the horizon, and a couple of simple seagulls. He and the big bear go on an adventure to amuse and entertain themselves, and then create new surroundings by drawing them with a stick.
| Something To Do by David Lucas | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: A beautifully minimalist book about a bear who draws the world around him. Young children will love the gentle pace and the playful look at just what books can be. Recommended. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: November 2008 |
| Publisher: Gullane Children's Books | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1862337268 | |
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The bear's world is the book, and the way it gets more and more engaging and enthralling is a real joy to see. This is a story that develops from pared down minimalism, to wide-eyed wonder at shooting stars. The audience are most certainly along for the ride. The premise is handled so gently that even if the very youngest book fans don't get it 100%, they'll still love it. On its most basic level, it's just a sweet tale of a couple of bears hanging out together.
On a deeper level, it's a wonderful introduction to how books can play about with reality. Of course, all characters in other books might inhabit the world on pieces of paper, but here their world really is a piece of paper. The new things in their world are obviously drawings, but they're no less real than objects in other books. Whilst I'm hardly expecting it to send a young book fan towards metaphysical discovery, it certainly sows the seeds for seeing just how playful books can be.
At face value, it's a charming tale that will strike a chord with its young audience. The relaxed pace and quietly unfolding plot make it ideal for bedtime reading. David Lucas' illustrations are daringly simple, but utterly gorgeous with it. This enchanting style will fill you with a warm glow. Recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
For other books that play with your perception, check out Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld, Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett and Don't Read This Book! by Jill Lewis and Deborah Allwright. Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara mixes a minimalist story with gorgeous illustrations.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Something To Do by David Lucas at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Something To Do by David Lucas at Amazon.com.
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