Description

Book Synopsis
A picture book about healing after a bereavement, the death of a loved one or a family pet, by Caldecott Medallist Matthew Cordell. 'In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace and heart.' Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Cordell speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery.' New York Times Louise and her family are sad after their beloved dog Charlie dies. “Life will not be the same,” Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on the island, something strange happens: she meets a bear who teaches her that getting over a bereavement takes time and that sometimes, things can change for the better.

Trade Review
"Cordell speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery." * New York Times *
"In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace and heart." * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
"A poetically beautiful story of grief and healing mirrored in the natural world has a touch of magical realism as a young girl processes her emotions and realizes that endings lead to beginnings." * School Library Journal *
"Grief can be particularly difficult to address with young children, and Cordell wisely eschews the platitudes often associated with this emotion, choosing instead to demonstrate the healing powers of nature and time." * Booklist *
"Provides youngsters with a talking point for their feelings about bereavement, and the depiction of a summer of adjustment to life without the loved one is sympathetic and patient. (Recommended.)" * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *

Bear Island

    Product form

    £7.59

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    RRP £7.99 – you save £0.40 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 16 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Matthew Cordell

    2 in stock

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      Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd
      Publication Date: 01/04/2021
      ISBN13: 9781839131189, 978-1839131189
      ISBN10: 1839131187

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A picture book about healing after a bereavement, the death of a loved one or a family pet, by Caldecott Medallist Matthew Cordell. 'In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace and heart.' Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Cordell speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery.' New York Times Louise and her family are sad after their beloved dog Charlie dies. “Life will not be the same,” Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on the island, something strange happens: she meets a bear who teaches her that getting over a bereavement takes time and that sometimes, things can change for the better.

      Trade Review
      "Cordell speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery." * New York Times *
      "In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace and heart." * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
      "A poetically beautiful story of grief and healing mirrored in the natural world has a touch of magical realism as a young girl processes her emotions and realizes that endings lead to beginnings." * School Library Journal *
      "Grief can be particularly difficult to address with young children, and Cordell wisely eschews the platitudes often associated with this emotion, choosing instead to demonstrate the healing powers of nature and time." * Booklist *
      "Provides youngsters with a talking point for their feelings about bereavement, and the depiction of a summer of adjustment to life without the loved one is sympathetic and patient. (Recommended.)" * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *

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