BOOKS
Created: 7th June, 2021

Bear Island

Author: Matthew Cordell
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Andersen Press

COLLECTION

Literature

YEAR GROUP

Years 5 and 6

BOOK TYPE

Corebooks

A sophisticated picturebook that acknowledges the slow pace and not-always linear process of healing after a bereavement - in this case, the loss of a beloved pet. Cordell uses the visual metaphor of a great bear on a lonely island to personify the emotions contained within grief, whether anger, fear, lethargy, sadness, and eventually acceptance. 

The use of colour is remarkable - beginning in sepia tones, then growing brighter as the island changes with the seasons, along with the protagonist's inner state. Panelled images and circular spotlights further contribute to the narrative storytelling, allowing montages to unfold and zeroing in on key emotional beats. A beautiful study of loss, change and hope.

 

TEACHING NOTES

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