The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle by David Litchfield
Published by Clarion Books on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 1328595897
Pages: 34
Goodreads

First published in the U.K. in 2018, this picture book was picked up by Clarion books and published in 2019. Litchfield’s music-loving bear is back in this follow-up to his stunning The Bear and the Piano but Bear is merely a secondary character in this picture book. Rendered in Litchfield’s gorgeous mixed-media illustrations, this book tells of the friendship of Hector and Hugo. Hector is a fiddle player who has convinced himself he is too old to make music any more. As Hector falls into despair, his dog Hugo picks up the fiddle and teaches himself to play. When Hector discovers his friend’s aptitude, he imparts all of his knowledge until the student surpasses the teacher which, of course, catches the attention of Bear, who is looking for a new member of his all-animal band. Hector encourages his friend and then resents him and his talent. The two part ways with unkind words on Hector’s part, words he immediately regrets, but it is too late. Hugo is gone on tour. When given the chance to see his friend perform, Hector takes it and is overcome with delight at his talented friend, feeling so moved that he shouts out to him from the audience. His overture is met with happiness and forgiveness because true friendship is worth letting go of resentment, jealousy, and hurt feelings. Not a lot is said in the book, but the listener/reader understands the message of the value of friendship and the power of music to bring us together. The titles begs the question, what are the back stories of the other band members? This is one that will leave its listener sighing with satisfaction and happiness at the conclusion. Recommend for any collection with the first title though this one can easily stand on its own. Ages preK-2nd grade.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth