Addis Berner Bear, a brown bear, arrives in a large, nameless city amidst the chaos of swirling snow, speeding cars and rushing holiday shoppers. Totally overwhelmed by the city’s dizzying pace, Addis forgets why he has come and finds himself wandering aimlessly through the city streets searching for purpose. A sharp eye will pick out pictorial clues alluding to that purpose embedded in exquisite full-page illustrations that hint at the silent story: that Addis has forgotten or lost his passion to be the world’s best trumpet-playing bear—a message that younger readers may need some help with. Created in light, loose watercolors, these illustrations project Addis’s heavy sadness, which is lifted with the help of a few unlikely friends, the coming of spring and the triumphant rediscovery of his talent. Written in spare rhythmic language, the text lends itself to being read aloud; however, a close inspection of the illustrations is absolutely necessary for full understanding and enjoyment of this subtle, lovely tale. (Picture book. 4-6)
