Bearly There - Book Review

"Is there a book you want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."
                                         ~Toni Morrison

Title:  Bearly There
Author: Aleesah Darlison
Illustration: Jill Carter-Hansen

Bearly there had been Blake's teddy forever it seems.  Why is he barely there?  Well his fur is nearly rubbed off and he is raggedy and holey because he is so loved.  One day a new naughty bear arrives at Blake's house.

Blake's aunt Phelicia gives him a brand new bear named Winston who is savvy, technological and can even talk.  Winston turns out to be pure nasty.  He pushes Bearly out of the window and abuses him terribly.  Blake is heartbroken.  Can two teddy bears fit into Blake's life?  This wonderful book gives us a window into how our society judges us by our appearances and gives us insight into how we tend to throw the old away and embrace the newest, shiniest, latest model that crosses our path.  Kids will appreciate the happy and satisfying resolution to the story.

Carter-Hansen has chosen a limited palette of black and red on white for her illustrations.  The smudged charcoal in some sketches adds softness and textural appeal to the bears.  Kids can then choose a limited colour palette and experiment with their own creations after reading the book.

Bearly There is a wonderful story with a great message.

About the author:

Hi, I write picture books and novels for children. I’m also a book reviewer for The Sun Herald.

I travel throughout Australia and internationally delivering Author Talks and Workshops for children and adults on Creative Writing and Marketing.

Book Review Rating:    8  (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always!