EAGLE VS BEAR

In Millar’s illustrated children’s book, a chosen bear cub must lead the fight against oppressive eagles.

In The Forest Kingdom, a magical land where two moons rise at night, bears have been subjugated to eagles for generations, though they once lived in peace. Aided by his soldiers and spies, the Eagle Warrior demands a heavy tribute of fish and berries from bears along with their forced labor as nest builders. One day, as Outspoken Bear is teaching his son, Child Cub, and another young bear named Kindred Cub how to fish, they’re bullied by the Captain and Lieutenant of Eagle Spies. Outspoken Bear mollifies them, but that night, at the Elder Council, he declares, “The tyranny of The Eagle must end!” Elder Bear takes the Council to the secret Elder Cave, whose walls record a prophecy that someday, a bear will restore peaceful freedom to The Forest Kingdom. The bears’ rebellion fails, however, and Outspoken Bear gives his life to protect the rest. With his mother, Child Cub flees to the Ancient Oaks, where he can grow up in safety—and perhaps fulfill his destiny if he follows his guiding stars. In his debut book, Millar provides fresh mythmaking on the theme of a destined hero who saves his people, with satisfying elements like a magical spear. The bear families here don’t reflect real life, however, where mothers alone raise and protect cubs (fathers can actually endanger them). The book provides a link for readers to download five songs, one for each chapter. Fox’s images convey mood well through rich, saturated colors, dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, dynamic composition, and expressive animal faces.

A stirring tale of courage and devotion, though bear mothers don’t get proper credit.