The Bear and the Wildcat

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

A picture book with delicate illustrations that explains the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding.

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2023

When the little bird dies, his friend the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures out again only when the smell of young spring grass blows through his window. He always carries a small box, which he opens for no one.


He meets a wildcat who understands his need to carry the box. As the cat plays on her violin, the bear remembers all the beauty he experienced with the little bird. Now he can bury his friend, keeping him alive in his memories and feelings.

Explaining the topic of grief and loss in a way that speaks to any age and with a quiet understanding of what it is like to lose someone you love, The Bear and the Wildcat shows a way through paralyzing grief and simultaneously tells the story of a hopeful new friendship.

Tender and sensitive, this is an excellent tool for helping to explain the process of grief, loss and bereavement with children or anyone who needs it
Loved by adults and children, also suitable for schools, hospices, grief centers and counselors
Translated from the Japanese edition by Cathy Hirano.

Komako Sakai lives in Japan and studied art in Tokyo. She is one of the most popular children’s illustrators in Japan and winner of the Japanese Picture Book Prize, and her books are published throughout the world.

Kazumi Yumoto was born in Tokyo, Japan. Her books, mostly novels for older children, have won numerous international awards.

Praise for The Bear and the Wildcat:

“[A] tender story . . . [and] forward-looking book for children who have loved and lost.”—Wall Street Journal

“[A] touchstone for talking about loss.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

“Quietly contemplative, mingling hope and healing, this is a book that will offer comfort to many.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“In this touching story about grief, Bear mourns the death of his friend Bird, working his way from being paralyzed by sadness to reengaging with the world.”—Booklist

“This powerful story deals with one of life’s most complicated and painful aspects with delicacy and honesty. Intricately layered pencil illustration accompanies the tale to create a story that is very moving but also filled with hope.”—BookTrust UK

“If grieving people are allowed to grieve, then they will find their way back to the joy of life – that’s the message of this delicate Japanese book.”—Die Zeit

Format Your Price Add
978-1-877467-70-7
$14.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% when you buy direct!
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2011
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Gecko Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 48
Publication Date 2023-02-07
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039030, JUV039060, JUV002000
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 9.3 x 7.1
Features Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Kazumi Yumoto

Kazumi Yumoto studied music composition at Tokyo College and has written opera libretti and plays for radio and television. Her books have won numerous international awards.

Illustrator: Komako Sakai

Komako Sakai is one of the most popular children's author/illustrators in Japan. After graduating from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Komako Sakai worked at a kimono textile design company. She has been published in many countries.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

The Bear and the Wildcat

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Awards

  • USBBY Outstanding International Books List, Winner, 2024
  • Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2023, Winner, 2023

Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“Elegant, understated spreads over scumbled black backdrops by Sakai divide the story, the first half dark with Bear’s misery, the second half dawning with light. Hirano’s fine translation renders Bear’s transition in simple, natural-sounding English, and Yumoto’s sensitive characterization makes the story a touchstone for talking about loss.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

The Horn Book Magazine

“This quiet, gently told story about death and friendship is well matched with soothing illustrations. . . . This Japanese import . . . will be a welcome addition to books about grieving.”—The Horn Book Magazine

Wall Street Journal

“[A] forward-looking book for children who have loved and lost.”—Wall Street Journal

Booklist

“A deeply somber but ultimately uplifting read.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“Quietly contemplative, mingling hope and healing, this is a book that will offer comfort to many.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews