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The Invisible Bear
The bear, transparent to others, has a sad and repetitive life. One day, dragonflies of all colors come to disrupt his daily life ...
They announce by twirling the arrival of a neighbor, Mrs. Odette. A bubbly lady who cultivates colorful plants, listens to music, likes to chat ... Between them will be born a beautiful friendship.
The poetic universe of Cécile Metzger is filled with sweetness and kindness.
They announce by twirling the arrival of a neighbor, Mrs. Odette. A bubbly lady who cultivates colorful plants, listens to music, likes to chat ... Between them will be born a beautiful friendship.
The poetic universe of Cécile Metzger is filled with sweetness and kindness.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2018
1 person is currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 10, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Books for this free copy of the book in return for an honest review. I am puzzled at this book. It is rather simplistic and to me it makes little sense. The illustrations are OK for little kids, but again a bunch of those I cannot figure out. Bear feels invisible, a woman moves next to him and brings color and sound. They become friends, she leaves and he realizes he is not invisible. I am lost. It may need more pages, or more than spartan illustrations. I understand there is a message of kindness but I am just not getting much out of this book. Sorry.
March 11, 2020
The art is beautiful in this sweet but rather confusing little picture book. A bear feels invisible and lives in a very silent, empty world. An older lady moves in next door and her yard/life is full of color and stuff (lovely stuff like flowers and an excessive number of dragonflies). They help each other, and then she abruptly leaves but he realizes he's not invisible after all.
Children are likely to be confused by the ending and the moral of this book. To be honest, adults are, too. The art is so lovely and the tone is so gentle that I think that's probably okay. Families can discuss it and come to their own conclusions. It may be hit or miss, but it's probably worth checking out for the art alone. We don't have to understand every painting or poem to get something out of experiencing them, and sometimes it's good to have to think a little.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
Children are likely to be confused by the ending and the moral of this book. To be honest, adults are, too. The art is so lovely and the tone is so gentle that I think that's probably okay. Families can discuss it and come to their own conclusions. It may be hit or miss, but it's probably worth checking out for the art alone. We don't have to understand every painting or poem to get something out of experiencing them, and sometimes it's good to have to think a little.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
March 17, 2020
What the...?!
I'm just sitting here laughing because I don't get it. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to get it. (Okay, to clarify, I get it. But I'm trying to read this as a child would, and I keep coming up confused.) It's not that the illustrations aren't charming (because they are) or that the overall message isn't sweet (because it is), but there's obviously a lot of symbolism and metaphor here that's likely to go over readers' heads. Like when the bear is illustrated in a sequence of filling up with grey and then a raincloud appearing over his head. (I'm still not sure if that's how he saved Madame Odette's flowers. Is this magical realism? Or is it some sort of statement about using negative emotions constructively?) The book ends with Madame Odette dying (she loves her dragonflies so much that she flies off with them) and leaving the bear a gift. And the gift represents... not feeling invisible?
Honestly, I'm just confused. Maybe I didn't get it after all. (And I really don't get why this was thought to be a good story for kids. Aside from the cute bear, there's really not much here that seems like it's going to appeal to younger readers.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.
I'm just sitting here laughing because I don't get it. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to get it. (Okay, to clarify, I get it. But I'm trying to read this as a child would, and I keep coming up confused.) It's not that the illustrations aren't charming (because they are) or that the overall message isn't sweet (because it is), but there's obviously a lot of symbolism and metaphor here that's likely to go over readers' heads. Like when the bear is illustrated in a sequence of filling up with grey and then a raincloud appearing over his head. (I'm still not sure if that's how he saved Madame Odette's flowers. Is this magical realism? Or is it some sort of statement about using negative emotions constructively?) The book ends with Madame Odette dying (she loves her dragonflies so much that she flies off with them) and leaving the bear a gift. And the gift represents... not feeling invisible?
Honestly, I'm just confused. Maybe I didn't get it after all. (And I really don't get why this was thought to be a good story for kids. Aside from the cute bear, there's really not much here that seems like it's going to appeal to younger readers.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.
July 19, 2020
There once was a bear who felt invisible and lived in a colourless world. Then one day he got a neighbour! Madame Odette makes the world colourful! And perhaps, a friendship can grow...
This is a unique story that felt very homey and kind. It seemed like this book was all about friendship and letting people into your life. I think some young readers may not get that without a little bit of instruction, but that doesn't change how absolutely wonderful this book is. I could easily see this book being used as a cute bedtime story or an educational tool. What a gem!
The illustrations are beautiful - soft and simple with what seems like a water colour base. I really enjoyed how this style worked with the story!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This is a unique story that felt very homey and kind. It seemed like this book was all about friendship and letting people into your life. I think some young readers may not get that without a little bit of instruction, but that doesn't change how absolutely wonderful this book is. I could easily see this book being used as a cute bedtime story or an educational tool. What a gem!
The illustrations are beautiful - soft and simple with what seems like a water colour base. I really enjoyed how this style worked with the story!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
August 11, 2020
Not sure if I was supposed to think of summer and winter, but that’s where my mind went while reading about a polar bear living a quiet life till Madame Odette, whose life is bursting with life and colour, moves in next door.
I loved the artwork!
I loved the artwork!
March 22, 2020
After a weeklong reading slump due to inability to concentrate due to current circumstances (I'm guessing others can relate?), I decided that what I needed was a children's book. Something simple, short, and undemanding. Enter "The Invisible Bear" via NetGalley (and thanks to NG and Penguin Random House Canada for the review copy).
The illustrations in this book are charming. The contrast between gray and color, loneliness and cheerfulness is well done. However, the story leaves a lot to be desired. It's heavily symbolic and could have done with a few more pages to give the reader clarification on what exactly the point is.
I felt that it was trying to say something about the value of friends with different personalities, or maybe something about depression, but in the end I just wasn't sure.
At least I finished reading something! And I believe it is time to persevere, make myself focus on things other than...the news..., and work on controlling only what I can control. Which includes reading things that keep me in a good mental space. So, onward into my to-read list...
The illustrations in this book are charming. The contrast between gray and color, loneliness and cheerfulness is well done. However, the story leaves a lot to be desired. It's heavily symbolic and could have done with a few more pages to give the reader clarification on what exactly the point is.
I felt that it was trying to say something about the value of friends with different personalities, or maybe something about depression, but in the end I just wasn't sure.
At least I finished reading something! And I believe it is time to persevere, make myself focus on things other than...the news..., and work on controlling only what I can control. Which includes reading things that keep me in a good mental space. So, onward into my to-read list...
October 28, 2020
This was so gorgeous!!
The story is not really special, and yet it felt new and fresh and a little weird. Bear is a lonely loner, a colorful neighbor moves in next door, Bear is at first annoyed but eventually they become friends. It's basically the same story as A Visitor for Bear (which I also loved!).
It's the art that won me over here, the dreamy watercolors perfectly complemented the story.
CW: the neighbor that Bear befriends appears to die at the end. It's not spelled out, so you can go either way with that - maybe she just moves away, maybe she dies. It's probably the perfect moment to turn to the children and say: "what do you think?" and then just go with whatever their interpretation is. Either way, Bear misses her. It's a melancholy ending.
The story is not really special, and yet it felt new and fresh and a little weird. Bear is a lonely loner, a colorful neighbor moves in next door, Bear is at first annoyed but eventually they become friends. It's basically the same story as A Visitor for Bear (which I also loved!).
It's the art that won me over here, the dreamy watercolors perfectly complemented the story.
CW: the neighbor that Bear befriends appears to die at the end. It's not spelled out, so you can go either way with that - maybe she just moves away, maybe she dies. It's probably the perfect moment to turn to the children and say: "what do you think?" and then just go with whatever their interpretation is. Either way, Bear misses her. It's a melancholy ending.
March 14, 2020
I was quite confused by this story. The images are lovely and the story started out ok, but there are some clear holes in the story. It jumps from the bear being able to help, to the bear and the lady hugging, and then she is gone. It needs some filler in there. I am not quite sure who the intended audience is.
March 18, 2020
Love the soft art and that we can learn a little bit from one another who we are different from.
Get a little calmer and get a little more colorful.
Simple and no twists or anything other than the exact synopsis.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review,
Get a little calmer and get a little more colorful.
Simple and no twists or anything other than the exact synopsis.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review,
May 27, 2020
A soft and beautifully illustrated story about the invisible bear who becomes friends with a loud and very visible neighbor. Will the bear learn to be loud and visible too?
August 5, 2021
I just adore this book. So, when I came to write my review I was puzzled by the overall 3.something star rating. Upon reading several of the reviews, most of which describe confused readers who feel there are gaps in the storyline or are searching for metaphorical epiphany, I cannot help but laugh. Must we as adults dissect every last illustration or phrase until there is nothing left to enjoy? As for those of you questioning the intended audience, I feel obliged to share that my exceptionally well-read children ages 7, 6, and 3 very much enjoyed this book, as did I (age 31). Ms. Cécile Metzger I love what you've done here and I've come to boost your rating just as ever much I can with whatever power may lie in the review of one fond reader.
April 12, 2020
First of all although this book seems to be a children's book I don't recommend it as such just since it is slightly confusing and would be better off shared as an interactive book with an adult to introduce conversational topics about mental health.
When I started off reading the book I was quite sure that it was about depression for all the words match up for that silent, gray and lonely while the transparent bear has a rain cloud above his head. Furthermore no one visits him but nor does it seem like he wants to visit others thus part of his supposed transparency.
Where the confusion came to me, though, was the change after Madame Odette. The concept that it was a story about depression changed when the bear's pleasure activities were interrupted by the hobbies of his name. All of a sudden it seemed like the story's theme changed from depression to a classic conflicting case of introversion versus extroversion within a budding friendship. That and the magical aspect of the story really does throw things for a loop....
But even with the conflicting plot points I must give kudos to the illustrations. They are gorgeous and detailed whlile giving the book a magical touch. The color palette follows the story by starting off on a grayscale color palette then slowly introducing colors to show the development of the story itself. If the book is confusing and lacks in the story it most definitely makes it up in the illustrations. Bonus try to find Odette's cat in all her illustrations.
All in all I would have to say that I do recommend this book for those who may want a bit of a challenging read that makes them to draw their own conclusions. Otherwise if you want a cut-and-dry story then this is one to steer away from.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
When I started off reading the book I was quite sure that it was about depression for all the words match up for that silent, gray and lonely while the transparent bear has a rain cloud above his head. Furthermore no one visits him but nor does it seem like he wants to visit others thus part of his supposed transparency.
Where the confusion came to me, though, was the change after Madame Odette. The concept that it was a story about depression changed when the bear's pleasure activities were interrupted by the hobbies of his name. All of a sudden it seemed like the story's theme changed from depression to a classic conflicting case of introversion versus extroversion within a budding friendship. That and the magical aspect of the story really does throw things for a loop....
But even with the conflicting plot points I must give kudos to the illustrations. They are gorgeous and detailed whlile giving the book a magical touch. The color palette follows the story by starting off on a grayscale color palette then slowly introducing colors to show the development of the story itself. If the book is confusing and lacks in the story it most definitely makes it up in the illustrations. Bonus try to find Odette's cat in all her illustrations.
All in all I would have to say that I do recommend this book for those who may want a bit of a challenging read that makes them to draw their own conclusions. Otherwise if you want a cut-and-dry story then this is one to steer away from.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
March 15, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review a digital advanced copy of this book.
I read this book with my 5.5 and 3.5 year old. I'd like to start by saying that we generally read our picture books in physical form and not as an ebook. There is something special about a book in the hands of a child. They love to sit and explore the pages and the illustrations, My kids were not huge fans of reading this in digital format.
This is the story of a bear who feels invisible and spends his days alone in his quiet colourless home. Then someone moves in next door to bear and she is noisy, loud, bright and colourful. Bear isn't sure how he feels about his new neighbour. But through a simplest of kindness they meet, become friends and are both changed by the gifts they bring each other.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful. My children were mesmerized by all there was to discover in each illustration. They are truly pieces of art. However, the story itself was a bit confusing and it felt as if there were a few pages missing that would have helped fill in exactly what happened. it was a bit confusing for my kids and myself as well. I feel as though this would make a wonderful wordless picture book in which the reader could be left to explore and fill-in their own interpretation of the story. I wanted to love this book but as it is it was just missing something for myself and my kids. I'll be giving this book 3 stars mainly because we loved the artwork so much.
I read this book with my 5.5 and 3.5 year old. I'd like to start by saying that we generally read our picture books in physical form and not as an ebook. There is something special about a book in the hands of a child. They love to sit and explore the pages and the illustrations, My kids were not huge fans of reading this in digital format.
This is the story of a bear who feels invisible and spends his days alone in his quiet colourless home. Then someone moves in next door to bear and she is noisy, loud, bright and colourful. Bear isn't sure how he feels about his new neighbour. But through a simplest of kindness they meet, become friends and are both changed by the gifts they bring each other.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful. My children were mesmerized by all there was to discover in each illustration. They are truly pieces of art. However, the story itself was a bit confusing and it felt as if there were a few pages missing that would have helped fill in exactly what happened. it was a bit confusing for my kids and myself as well. I feel as though this would make a wonderful wordless picture book in which the reader could be left to explore and fill-in their own interpretation of the story. I wanted to love this book but as it is it was just missing something for myself and my kids. I'll be giving this book 3 stars mainly because we loved the artwork so much.
June 5, 2020
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review here and on my blog Samwise Reviews. The artwork was beautiful, but I didn’t enjoy the story. I think I understand the message it was trying to get across, but it felt too simple and abstract and I feel like it missed the mark. It could have used a few more pages to really flesh out the point it was trying to make. I was able to use this as the "A Book With Illustrations" part of my 2020 reading challenge.
May 31, 2020
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The illustrations in this book are captivating - whimsical and full of details that young children would enjoy. However, the plot is somewhat confusing and may be difficult for a child to understand. I kept thinking I was *missing* something and was ultimately left frustrated and unsatisfied.
July 13, 2020
A beautiful and sweet story about a lonely bear who meets his new neighbor. I found this story to be touching and sweet. The art style in particular was stunning and very beautiful. The friendship between the bear and his neighbor was lovely and the ending of the book was so sad but sweet. I think this is just one of the loveliest books!
March 31, 2020
This book was adorable. I loved the character development that the bear went through on his journey towards becoming un-invisible.
I would recommend this book to any young child, but especially those who need some insight into the need for bright and colourful friends.
I would recommend this book to any young child, but especially those who need some insight into the need for bright and colourful friends.
August 3, 2020
I received an ARC through NetGalley from Penguin Random House Canada. This picture book is a serene story of a bear who’s world was quiet, grey and repetitive until he got a new neighbor that brought color and activity to his days. Soothing illustrations and coloring. This is an emotional story that children will pick up on through the words and pictures. They will see the change that comes from letting good into your life. Recommended ages 4-7.
December 16, 2021
Melancholy, but beautiful.
July 14, 2020
I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Cecile Metzger and Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a sweet book about friendship and appreciating each other’s differences. The illustrations were beautiful, each page was like looking at a watercolor painting.
This was a sweet book about friendship and appreciating each other’s differences. The illustrations were beautiful, each page was like looking at a watercolor painting.
September 28, 2020
A lovely analogy about how we affect others though I'm not sure young readers will connect with it.
The bear feels invisible and lives in a drab and quiet world. A new person moves in next door; Madame Odette brings color and life and noise and action to the area. They both learn that they need balance and support each other to grow.
The bear feels invisible and lives in a drab and quiet world. A new person moves in next door; Madame Odette brings color and life and noise and action to the area. They both learn that they need balance and support each other to grow.
September 14, 2020
Meh. The story ends too abruptly for me, but I do adore the beautiful illustrations.
May 8, 2020
The Invisible Bear by author-illustrator Cécile Metzger.
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
Description from NetGalley...
“A simple act of kindness brings two unlikely friends together in this profound picture book about the transformative power of friendship.
A bear sits in his quiet, colorless home in a forgotten place. He feels invisible; no one comes to see him, and he spends his days alone.
Then someone moves in next door. Madame Odette is sound and sunshine, and at first, the bear isn't sure about this colorful new neighbor.
But through an act of kindness, the bear and the Madame Odette meet, and as time goes by, they become friends. And in the end, they are both forever changed by the gifts they bring each other.”
Thank you to @NetGalley, @randomhousecanada @tundrabooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
My thoughts...
This is for a more mature young-reader or a read-along for younger-reader. I love the water-colour illustrations in this book. It’s simple, pretty and calming. Even for mature young-reader, I recommend adults to read it with them, because the story has some parts that used symbolism and it’s quite profound. This book feels like a poem, illustrated. It’s a soft and gentle story on friendship, companionship, sadness and grief. In the end, a message of hope and love.
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
Description from NetGalley...
“A simple act of kindness brings two unlikely friends together in this profound picture book about the transformative power of friendship.
A bear sits in his quiet, colorless home in a forgotten place. He feels invisible; no one comes to see him, and he spends his days alone.
Then someone moves in next door. Madame Odette is sound and sunshine, and at first, the bear isn't sure about this colorful new neighbor.
But through an act of kindness, the bear and the Madame Odette meet, and as time goes by, they become friends. And in the end, they are both forever changed by the gifts they bring each other.”
Thank you to @NetGalley, @randomhousecanada @tundrabooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
My thoughts...
This is for a more mature young-reader or a read-along for younger-reader. I love the water-colour illustrations in this book. It’s simple, pretty and calming. Even for mature young-reader, I recommend adults to read it with them, because the story has some parts that used symbolism and it’s quite profound. This book feels like a poem, illustrated. It’s a soft and gentle story on friendship, companionship, sadness and grief. In the end, a message of hope and love.
March 20, 2020
This book reveals how two improbable friends come together through a random act of kindness.
"In a lonely, forgotten place, there lives a bear.
The bear felt invisible."
He is totally isolated from others and his world is dull, colourless and blah! Then one day someone comes to live next door to him. It is Madame Odette.
"She lived in a cheerful world of color and sound."
Bear isn't sure if all those bright colours and noisy activity so close to him will suit his lifestyle. After all he does love his peace and quiet. Then one day he hears a different sound coming from his neighbour's yard.
"My poor flowers... the sun is drying them up!" sobs Madame Odette.
Bear decides to go next door to ask if he might be of help. That single act of thoughtfulness changed his life ( and hers ) forever. Together they create a very special friendship where each can be exactly who they are .... themselves! It works tremendously well for both of them!
The illustrations are lovely and the inspiring message of the book is a wonderful life lesson to be learned for those of all ages. This is a debut book by the author-illustrator Cécile Metzger and I recommend it.
"In a lonely, forgotten place, there lives a bear.
The bear felt invisible."
He is totally isolated from others and his world is dull, colourless and blah! Then one day someone comes to live next door to him. It is Madame Odette.
"She lived in a cheerful world of color and sound."
Bear isn't sure if all those bright colours and noisy activity so close to him will suit his lifestyle. After all he does love his peace and quiet. Then one day he hears a different sound coming from his neighbour's yard.
"My poor flowers... the sun is drying them up!" sobs Madame Odette.
Bear decides to go next door to ask if he might be of help. That single act of thoughtfulness changed his life ( and hers ) forever. Together they create a very special friendship where each can be exactly who they are .... themselves! It works tremendously well for both of them!
The illustrations are lovely and the inspiring message of the book is a wonderful life lesson to be learned for those of all ages. This is a debut book by the author-illustrator Cécile Metzger and I recommend it.
March 25, 2020
This book is beautiful, and not just for the artwork. The story is well-written for a young child to understand the text without too many "why?" interruptions. But the message is also wonderful! The bear feels invisible, but realizes when a new neighbor moves in that he is not so. And even when the neighbor leaves, she leaves behind enough for the bear to remember that he is not invisible.
I would have loved to see just a page or two more of what the bear did after the neighbor left him, but really it was a beautifully written message reminding us that there is always someone who sees us!
I would have loved to see just a page or two more of what the bear did after the neighbor left him, but really it was a beautifully written message reminding us that there is always someone who sees us!
April 30, 2020
I understand the concept of the book (I think) but I didn't really "get" it. The bear lives in a colorless world and seems to like it that way. Then a woman moves in next door and brings color. She then gets upset because her flowers need rain. Somehow, and this is where I got confused, the Bear gives rain to her flowers. I think there are metaphors in there but I don't understand them enough to explain to a child. I will say that the illustrations are beautiful. They loosely remind me of Jon Klassen, who I'm a big fan of. Just can't see myself using this as a read-aloud or recommending this to a patron. #Netgalley
August 9, 2020
A simple act of kindness brings two unlikely friends together.
A bear who has always been by himself, sits in his quiet, colorless home in a forgotten place. He feels invisible; no one comes to see him, and he spends his days alone.
Then someone moves in next door. Madame Odette who proves to be a colorful new neighbor.
The two meet through an act of kindness, and they become friends.
This is a beautiful book and I felt it was trying to send a profound message,but the story didn’t really add up in the end.
A bear who has always been by himself, sits in his quiet, colorless home in a forgotten place. He feels invisible; no one comes to see him, and he spends his days alone.
Then someone moves in next door. Madame Odette who proves to be a colorful new neighbor.
The two meet through an act of kindness, and they become friends.
This is a beautiful book and I felt it was trying to send a profound message,but the story didn’t really add up in the end.
April 24, 2020
“The Invisible Bear” by Cecile Metzger is an adorable book about a bear befriending a new neighbor. His surroundings go from quiet and calm to colorful and filled with love. My family and I enjoyed reading this book. It does cover the theme of loss at the end, so I could see the value in using this as a teaching tool as well in relation to the concept of loss or death. The storyline was wonderful and the book features beautiful images. I chose this book based on the cover, and in this instance judging a book by the cover really worked out.
April 8, 2020
This was a really sweet story. I loved the art and thought that it really fit the style of the story. I loved the growth of both characters in such a little amount of time. I loved how they both showed that they had different personalities and they were still friends even though they were different. I do think that some of the concepts could have been explained more clearly for younger readers. Overall, this was a really beautiful book.
*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
April 12, 2020
The Invisible Bear was an absolutely beautiful picture book about change, loss, connection, joy. The illustrations perfectly mimicked the words of the story to bring it to life. The bear was lonely and gray until one day a new neighbor moved in. Bear wasn't sure he was thrilled with the new neighbor but learned compassion, care and connection were worth taking a chance and making a change. Love this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews