When a Book Bears Fruit
A baby bear wakes up in the forest. He is hungry and drowsily explores the woods in search of food. He stops to rest under a tall tree and is plonked on the head by a red fruit that has fallen from above. Baby bear tastes the fruit and finds it delicious. “I want to eat more,” he announces, and up the tree he climbs in search of more deliciousness.
As he ascends, he comes upon various red things, a caterpillar, a squirrel, a beehive, but none are the fruit he seeks. At last, he reaches the top of the tree, and there, resplendent in the distance, is the largest fruit he has ever seen. But it is just out of reach. As he stretches for it, he tumbles down, down, down, out of the tree, past the beehive, the squirrel, and the caterpillar, and straight into the waiting arms of his parent.
The Red Fruit is a charming story of exuberant youthful curiosity and steadfast parental support and encouragement. It is illustrated by Lee Gee Eun in an evocative ink-wash painting style that has been used by Chinese artists for hundreds of years to capture the spirit or essence of a subject as opposed to the exact fine lines of its physical being. This style is perfectly suited to tell the tale of this adorable bear’s adventure, with lone bits of radiant color applied sparingly throughout.
The Red Fruit is playful and soothing, making it a perfect read for a little one at any time in their day. Children will be delighted by the baby bear and will learn that curiosity and exploration are good, mistakes and failures happen but aren’t permanent, and their parents and loved ones will always be there to support them to keep striving and seeking.
One of the Best Books of the Year
The Red Fruit I 9781646147007 I $18.99 I Hardcover I On Sale: 11/28