A fiddler, Hector, and his dog friend Hugo experience “good times, bad times and even some crazy times” before and after switching roles.
Hector is at the end of his career with an unfulfilled dream of performing on stage. As many enjoy the famous bear shows, he abandons the violin to participate in practical and quiet activities at home. The days look similar until one morning when he awakes to a catchy tune played by his friend Hugo, entertaining the neighbourhood. Hugo’s story was a success from then on, joining the ‘Bears Big Band’. Before that, Hector expresses mixed feelings that come with hurtful words towards Hugo, but indirectly, there are more signs of desperation rather than competitiveness. (A clue is Hector holding the picture of him with the dog standing next to the TV where another photo of an elderly lady stays. She might be Hector’s wife who passed away. The older man has to face life on his own).
“The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle” by David Litchfield shows that good friendship can survive challenges, and when there is true love, inevitably, various emotions follow. Hector truly enjoys and is passionate about his art, passing it on to his students, who excel. Young readers enjoy mixed-media illustrations of some busy, well-lit streets and full-to-the-brim dark concert halls.
The author develops a story around a not-very exploited topic in picture books – music – making it beneficial, especially for children who practice a musical instrument.
Further Information:
If you loved The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle
- Author and Illustrator: David Litchfield
- ISBN: 978-1-84780917-9
- Publication Date: 2018
- Page Count: 40
- Publisher: Lincoln Children’s Books
- Recommended age: 4-7
- Categories/Topic: Friendship, Music
Where to Find it:
- Buy on: Amazon
- The complete collection of the Bear trilogy on Amazon:
- Book One: The Bear and the Piano
- Book Three: The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert
- Find on: Goodreads
