Bear's Last Journey Book

Old Bear is very sick. With his animal friends gathered around him, Bear tells them that he must say good-bye, for he is going on a special journey. "But ... but ... you're not dying?" asks Rabbit, and Bear admits that he is. All the animals are saddened by the news, but the little fox is especially upset--hurt and angry and confused. He cannot imagine life without Bear. How Fox and the other forest animals deal with the loss of their friend is a moving story about death, grieving, and the solace to be found in memory.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-This gentle picture book succeeds in articulating the sense of loss and confusion that children may feel when a loved one dies. Weigelt's sensitive, straightforward text begins with the gathering of animals in response to the news that "Bear is sick!" As the hare, fox, fawn, and rabbit approach his den, they are cautioned by Badger to be quiet because "Bear needs to rest." Fox is the curious, childlike one. He wonders what is going on, asks Bear where he is going on the "journey" he speaks of, and refuses to believe that his friend is going to die. Frustrated and confused, the little fox seeks out the elderly animal again and they have a discussion about what might happen after death. When Bear dies the next day, the animals gather to close up his home and decorate it with flowers. Fox initially rejects the idea of taking any of Bear's belongings to remember him by, but relents and accepts a token at Badger's urging. Kadmon's paintings, done primarily in shades of blue, green, and brown, evoke the woodland setting and the characters' varying emotions. This thoughtful book would be a good discussion starter and may reassure children that their reactions to events in their own lives are normal and natural.-Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.