The Bear and the Piano

Synopsis

The first book in the best-selling, award-winning 'Bear and the Piano' trilogy.
 
Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Illustrated Book Category for 2016
 
Over 120,000 copies have been sold of The Bear and the Piano in the UK.

One day, a young bear stumbles upon something he has never seen before in the forest. As time passes, he teaches himself how to play the strange instrument, and eventually the beautiful sounds are heard by a father and son who are picnicking in the woods. The bear goes with them on an incredible journey to New York, where his piano playing makes him a huge star. He has fame, fortune and all the music in the world, but he misses the friends and family he has left behind. A moving tale of exploration and belonging from best-selling and critically acclaimed author David Litchfield. 

The Sunday Times -'The influence of the great illustrators Jon Klasen and Shaun Tan are detectable in David Litchfield's opulent The Bear and the Piano.'
The Guardian -'This book is full of breath-taking scenes, from the stunning forest to the rich New York skyline.'
Huffington Post -'A heart-warming and beautifully illustrated tale of music, friendship and adventure.'
The Daily Mail -'A sumptuous treat… [Litchfield] weaves magic with light and space...The ending will have your heart soaring like a soprano's top C.'
The Bookseller -'One of the most impressive debuts of the autumn, this is a really stunning picture book with both critical and commercial appeal […] Distinctive, atmospheric and uplifting, it's my picture book of the year.'

**Don't miss David Litchfield's other books:
The Bear and the Piano [1]
The Bear, the Piano, The Dog and the Fiddle [2]
The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's Concert [3]
Grandad's Secret Giant
Lights on Cotton Rock
 

Summary

The Bear and the Piano is a children's picture book written by David Litchfield. The story follows the adventures of a young bear, who discovers a grand piano in the woods and learns to play it, transitioning from the forest to the city, where his music is appreciated.

In Chapter 1, the bear is first introduced. He is described as being friendly and curious as he explores the forest. One day, he discovers a grand piano tucked away in the trees. His curiosity leads him to start playing, and he soon finds that he has a talent for beautiful music.

In Chapter 2, after playing the piano for some time, the bear realizes that he is in need of a companion. He sets off in search of one, and eventually comes across a group of city animals. Seeing his musical talent, they invite him to stay in the city so that he can play for them more often.

In Chapter 3, the bear finds himself surrounded by a much larger audience than ever before. He plays for them nightly and wins their hearts with his music. He becomes more and more popular in the city, and soon he is invited to play in bigger venues, such as the Royal Opera House.

In Chapter 4, the bear's fame continues to grow. He eventually leaves the opera house and embarks on a worldwide tour. Everywhere he goes, people come to hear his music. He receives standing ovations and appreciation from all around the world.

In Chapter 5, the bear eventually returns to the forest, exhausted. He seeks solace in the piano, recalling all the memories of the places he has been and the people who have appreciated his music.

In Chapter 6, the bear visits the piano every day, and eventually finds that he can no longer hear the music that it used to make. He feels sad and begins to walk away, when the piano starts to play one last time, bringing tears to the bear's eyes.

The story ends with the bear understanding that even though he is no longer making music with the piano, it will continue to make music for others. He has found his place in the world and knows that he will always have a special connection with the piano. He takes with him the knowledge that even though his own music may have faded, the notes he played for others will live on forever.