Bear Came Along

Last updated

Bear Came Along
Bear Came Along.jpg
Author Richard T. Morris
Illustrator LeUyen Pham
Publisher Little, Brown, and Company
Publication date
June 1, 2019
Pagesunpaged
Awards Caldecott Honor
ISBN 9780316464451

Bear Came Along is a 2019 picture book by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. It tells the story of a group of animals on a river adventure. Published on June 1, 2019, Bear Came Along was based on memories Morris had of going to overnight camp for the first time. The watercolors, ink, and gouache illustrations Pham created were special for her. Critics wrote about her ability to juggle several different tones through the pictures. These illustrations were also generally seen as complementing the book's theme of being connected to others. The book was generally well reviewed and received a 2020 Caldecott Honor.

Contents

Background and publication

The book's author, Richard T. Morris, said he based the bear character on his first time camping overnight. [1] In an interview, illustrator LeUyen Pham said that she knew what the finished book would look like immediately after reading the manuscript and she eagerly accepted the commission. [2] She created the end pages first, with the ones at the start in black and white and with the ones at the end in color, which helped her to understand the universe of the book. [2] Pham felt that the book came at a time that the United States was divided and gave her a chance to tell a story of unity. [2]

The book was published on June 1, 2019. [3] There was also an audio book, narrated by Joshua Manning, which used sound effects and a soundtrack to convey the journey. [4]

Plot

A river lacks identity until a bear came along and fell into the river and is carried along on a log. This begins an adventure where the bear is joined going downstream by a frog, turtles, a beaver, raccoons, and a duck. Each has a trait or knowledge and also lacks knowledge of something. For instance, the beaver knows how to navigate but doesn't know about detours. After the duck joins, the group encounters a waterfall. The animals land safely and realize they "were in it together". [5]

Writing and illustrations

Pham loved the limited text and felt that the story was "so unexpected from [Morris]". [2] The book has watercolors, ink, and gouache illustrations, which Julie Danielson, writing for Horn Book, compared to 1980's cartoons. [6] Pham's goal was to draw the reader in through a contrast of the black and white and color illustrations. [2] In an interview with her publisher, she described the book as special in her 20-year career: "It’s almost as if [Morris] grew a tree in a garden and didn’t allow any of the leaves to grow on it at all, it’s just the bare bones of a tree, and asked me to come in and decorate the tree. But without that strength of that tree, nothing would hold up on it." [2] Librarian Brian Wilson, writing for Horn Book, describing the text as "action-packed yet reflective" and noted the way Morris' repeated use of 'until' propels the plot and creates structure for the illustrations. [7]

The illustration's perspectives enhances both the dramatic and humorous elements of the adventure. [3] [6] Several critics wrote specifically about the book's climatic waterfall sequence, viewed in the animal's first person perspective. which Wilson called "one of 2019's great showstopping picture-book moments." [6] [7] Critics noted Pham's use of colors from dull grays to vibrant hues as complementary to the book's themes of friendship and the importance of connections and relationships with others. [3] [6] [7] A critic for Kirkus Reviews wrote that there is a "depth of the message that comes through for even the youngest of readers: We are all in this together, and our differences strengthen our unity." [8] Several critics also praised Pham's use of character expression with Wilson noting that she "excels at body language and facial expressions". [6] [7]

Several design elements also contribute to the book. The cover illustration, which omit the author's and illustrator's names, setup the adventure that follows. [7] [9] The forest depicted on the end pages was drawn to resemble a map of the United States. [2] The front end pages show the animals living their separate lives, while the back of the book functions as an epilogue. [7] [9] Critics also praised the way the illustrations were laid out, including Pham's effective use of double page spreads and panels. [7] [8]

Awards and reception

The book was generally well reviewed. Common Sense Media gave the book four stars out of five and noted its humor. [10] In a positive review, Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, writing in School Library Journal, noted that "its large-scale, immersive pictures expansively invite readers to come along." [9] Publishers Weekly also called the illustrations the strength of the book, "cleverly designed illustrations... make this offering a standout choice for reading aloud." [3] Danielson in her in her review for The Horn Book Magazine praised the character's journey; [6] Kirkus Reviews also did in its starred review. [8] The book also received a starred review from Ilene Cooper of Booklist who praised Pham's illustrations as "sensational and silly. Her vivid colorings and imaginative design command attention." [11]

The book received a 2020 Caldecott Honor with a citation that noted how "the river comes to life with Pham’s energetic lines, gradual increase of vivid color, and surprising page turns to form a rollicking adventure and bonding connections." [12] Pham said she was "validated" by winning the Honor, which was an unexpected feeling for her. [13]

Related Research Articles

<i>A Ball for Daisy</i> Childrens picture book by Chris Raschka

A Ball for Daisy is a 2011 children's wordless picture book written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. The book tells the story of a dog named Daisy, who has a beloved ball destroyed and then replaced. Raschka won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in the book. The creation of the book took years but was praised for its ability to evoke emotion in the reader. A sequel, Daisy Gets Lost, was released in 2013.

Anne Marie Pace is an American author, known for her Vampirina Ballerina books. She attended the College of William & Mary, where she graduated in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in English. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Pace wrote for children's magazines.

<i>Locomotive</i> (book) Verse nonfiction picture book by Brian Floca

Locomotive is a 2013 children's book written and illustrated by Brian Floca. A non-fiction book written primarily in free verse, the book follows a family as they ride a transcontinental steam engine train in summer of 1869. The book details the workers, passengers, landscape, and effects of building and operating the first transcontinental railroad. The book also contains prose about the earlier and later history of locomotives. The book took Floca four years to create, which included a change in perspective from following the crew of the train to following a family. Floca conducted extensive research including his own train ride and consultation with experts to ensure he had the details all correct.

<i>This is Not My Hat</i> Childrens picture book by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat is a 2012 American children's picture book by the author and illustrator Jon Klassen. The story is told through the unreliable narration of a little fish, who has stolen a hat from a big fish and how the big fish reacts to the theft. It is a thematic follow-up to I Want My Hat Back (2011) and was meant to be a more literal sequel until Klassen took a suggestion to change which animals were in the story. The book was well received by critics who praised its dark or ironic humor which could only be understood by comparing the words of the little fish's narration against the events of the illustrations. In addition to several positive reviews, Klassen received the 2013 Caldecott Medal and the 2014 Kate Greenaway Medal becoming the first book to win both awards. This is Not My Hat was also a commercial success.

<i>Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat</i> 2016 picture book by Javaka Steptoe

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is a 2016 picture book biography by Javaka Steptoe about Jean-Michel Basquiat. Using a style similar to Basquiat's, the book tells the story of his childhood and early career. It won the 2017 Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for its illustrations.

<i>Wolf in the Snow</i> 2017 wordless picture book

Wolf in the Snow is a 2017 wordless picture book by Matthew Cordell. The book was favorably received by critics and won the 2018 Caldecott Medal. The story has drawn comparisons to fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood. The nearly wordless book tells the story of a girl and wolf who each get lost in the snowstorm. Cordell used distinctive illustration techniques for the girl and the wolf.

<i>Big Cat, Little Cat</i> 2017 picture book by Elisha Cooper

Big Cat, Little Cat is a 2017 children's picture book written by Elisha Cooper. It was published by Roaring Brook Press, a subsidiary of Macmillan Books. In the story, a large, white cat welcomes a new black cat into a family. The white cat then dies, and the cycle begins anew when the family adopts a new kitten. Cooper was inspired to write the story after his family experienced a similar situation. Critics praised his illustrations, for their ability to help further the story's messages and themes. These monochromatic illustrations were different than the style Cooper normally employed when illustrating a book. The book was well-reviewed, and received a 2018 Caldecott Honor.

<i>Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut</i> 2017 picture book by Derrick Barnes

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a 2017 picture book by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James. The book, Barnes' first picture book, is a poem describing a boy's feelings and experience while getting a haircut. James, who was not the first choice to be the illustrator, wanted the oil color illustrations to have the feel of fine art.

<i>A Different Pond</i> 2017 picture book by Bao Phi and illustrated by Thi Bui

A Different Pond is a 2017 children's picture book by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui. The book tells the story of a boy and his father going fishing. Phi created the book because of his desire to have books about people like himself to read to his daughter. Bui's detailed illustrations allowed Phi to remove elements of the prose. Bui, who had never illustrated a traditional picture book before, won praise for her use of colors and was recognized with a 2018 Caldecott Honor. The book received positive reviews and appeared on best of 2017 book lists.

<i>Grand Canyon</i> (book) 2017 picture book by Jason Chin

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin is a 2017 children's picture book. The book tells about the plants, animals and habitats of the Grand Canyon, both now and in the past, using the premise of a hiking trip there. The inspiration for the book was a trip in high school; Chin had originally conceived of a Grand Canyon origin story. The book marked the first time Chin used die cuts, in addition to his normal use of pen and ink, watercolors, and gouache. The book was awarded a 2018 Caldecott Honor for its illustrations and a 2018 Sibert Honor for its informative text. Grand Canyon is one of only a few non-fiction books that are not biographies to be recognized by the Caldecott.

<i>Hello Lighthouse</i> Picture book by Sophie Blackall

Hello Lighthouse is a picture book written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. The book tells the story of a lighthouse and its last keeper and was well received, winning the 2019 Caldecott Medal for its illustrations. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, Blackall worked hard on the design of the book. The writing and illustrations were meant to complement each other noting the change and consistency of the sea.

<i>Thank You, Omu!</i> 2018 Picture book

Thank You, Omu! is a 2018 picture book written and illustrated by Oge Mora. The story is about Omu, who cooks a stew and shares it with her neighbors; they show their gratitude by bringing her food. The book started as an assignment for a class of Mora's at the Rhode Island School of Design, where it was seen by an editor from Little, Brown. Thank You, Omu was well reviewed and a recipient of the 2019 Caldecott Honor for its illustrations. The book's mixed media drew praise for their detailed depictions of characters and locations.

<i>A Big Mooncake for Little Star</i> 2018 picture book by Grace Lin

A Big Mooncake for Little Star is a 2018 picture book written and illustrated by Grace Lin. The story is about Little Star gradually eating the mooncake that her mother has baked. The book was a departure for Lin both thematically and in her use of illustrative style. The book was well reviewed and was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 2019. The illustrations feature heavy use of black and rely on both the pictures and words to convey the story and its themes.

LeUyen Pham is a children's book illustrator and author. She has illustrated and written more than 120 books. In 2020, she won a Caldecott Honor for her illustrations in the book Bear Came Along.

<i>We Are Water Protectors</i> 2020 picture book

We Are Water Protectors is a 2020 picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade. Written in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, the book tells the story of an Ojibwe girl who fights against an oil pipeline in an effort to protect the water supply of her people. It was published by Roaring Brook Press on March 17, 2020. The book was well received. Critics praised its message of environmental justice, its depiction of diversity, and the watercolor illustrations, for which Goade won the 2021 Caldecott Medal, becoming the first Indigenous recipient of the award. The book also received the 2021 Jane Addams Children's Book Award winner in the Books for Younger Children category.

<i>All Thirteen</i> 2020 childrens book by Christina Soontornvat

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team is a 2020 nonfiction children's book by American author Christina Soontornvat. It describes the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue. The book received positive reviews from critics and was awarded a Newbery Honor and a Sibert Honor in 2021.

<i>What Is Love?</i> (picture book) 2021 picture book by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis

What Is Love? is a 2021 picture book written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Carson Ellis. It tells the story of a boy who wants to know the meaning of love, and so is advised by his grandmother to ask to people around him.

<i>Mel Fell</i> 2021 picture book by Corey R. Tabor

Mel Fell is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, published on February 2, 2021, by Balzer + Bray, a HarperCollins imprint. It focuses on Mel, a kingfisher, as she attempts her first flight. The book was received positively, and was the recipient of a Caldecott Honor in 2022.

<i>Wonder Walkers</i> 2021 picture book by Micha Archer

Wonder Walkers is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Micha Archer. Through poetic text, it shows two kids of color as they walk through nature and ponder about its mysteries. Wonder Walkers was published on March 30, 2021, by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

<i>Going Down Home with Daddy</i> 2019 picture book

Going Down Home with Daddy is a 2019 picture book written by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Daniel Minter. It tells the story of a young boy who attends a large family reunion at his great-grandmother's house and struggles to prepare a contribution to the family celebration. Inspired by Lyons's visit to a family gathering in rural Georgia, the book was published by Peachtree Publishing on April 1, 2019. The acrylic illustrations incorporate Adinkra symbols representing various concepts in Ghanaian culture. Critics praised the book's themes of family culture and heritage as well as Minter's illustrations, for which it received a Caldecott Honor in 2020. It also received the 2019 Lupine Award in the Picture Book category.

References

  1. ↑ "Creator Corner with Richard Morris BEAR CAME ALONG - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stapleton, Victoria (May 23, 2019). "Book Chat: LeUyen Pham on Bear Came Along". A Fuse #8 Production. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Bear Came Along". Publishers Weekly. March 27, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Bear Came Along by Richard T Morris Read by Joshua Manning | Audiobook Review". AudioFile Magazine. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  5. ↑ Morris, Richard T. (June 4, 2019). Bear Came Along. Pham, LeUyen (First ed.). New York. ISBN   978-0-316-46447-5. OCLC   1040081852.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Danielson, Julie (June 3, 2019). "Review of Bear Came Along". The Horn Book. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Wilson, Brian (October 31, 2019). "Calling Caldecott | Bear Came Along". The Horn Book. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 "Bear Came Along". Kirkus Reviews. June 4, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  9. 1 2 3 Whitehurst, Lucinda Snyder (June 1, 2019). "Bear Came Along". School Library Journal. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  10. ↑ McMahon, Regan (February 3, 2020). "Bear Came Along - Book Review". Common Sense Media. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  11. ↑ Chaudhri, Amina (March 15, 2019). "Bear Came Along". Booklist . 115 (4): 67–72 – via Ebscohost.
  12. ↑ "Welcome to the Caldecott Medal Home Page!". Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  13. ↑ Schumacher, John (March 5, 2020). "Caldecott Honor Artist LeUyen Pham". Mr. Schu Reads. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.