Beardream (Aladdin Picture Books)
Kindergarten-Grade 3.  Hobbs explores the relationship between a young boy and a bear in his first picture book, a theme he has pursued in his novels for older children. In early spring, Short Tail, a young Ute, is concerned because no one has seen the Great Bear. He is worried that the animal will starve and goes to find him. But the boy tires and sleeps; in a dream he finds the Great Bear and wakes him. The creature appreciates Short Tail's respect and shares with him the annual bear dance, which celebrates the end of winter. The child in turn teaches the dance to his people. This layered tale, which is based on a Ute story, is respectfully told, but it may be confusing for readers, and the art doesn't clarify matters. Kastner's oils are often impressive; dark, soft-edged, with large figures set against mountain landscapes. In several of the dream spreads, images of the dreamer (bear or human) are incorporated into the landscape, but they are not set far enough apart. In some scenes it's not obvious which character is Short Tail. The primary focus of the story is also not clear: Is it the survival of the Great Bear, Short Tail's relationship with it, the end of winter, Short Tail's bravery, or the teaching of the dance?or all of the above. Discussion will be helpful.?Leda Schubert, Vermont Department of Education, MontpelierCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.