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The Bear and the Piano #3

The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's Concert

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The third and final book in the best-selling, award-winning ‘Bear and the Piano’ trilogy.

The first book in the trilogy - The Bear and the Piano - has sold over 120,000 copies in the UK and won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Illustrated Book Category for 2016

You probably remember the story of the bear who found the piano in the woods and grew up to become a huge star. He played his music in front of millions of adoring fans and all of his wildest dreams came true. But now, the audiences are smaller, the pianos less grand, and the applause is dying away. So Bear decides to retire. Back in the woods, he is sad that his dream is over but he soon has something to distract him: Little Bear! When Little Bear stumbles upon his piano in the woods, she can’t believe it when her father says that no one wants to hear his music anymore. So she comes up with a plan to prove him wrong.

The final book in the award-winning, best-selling trilogy shows that while fame and fortune might be temporary, the best songs stay in your heart forever.

40 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2020

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About the author

David Litchfield

42 books175 followers
David Litchfield is a multi-award winning illustrator and author represented by The Bright Agency.
David first started to draw when he was very young, creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones ‘mash up’ comics for his older brother and sister. Since then David’s work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on T-shirts. He has also exhibited his illustrations in both solo and group shows in the U.K, Europe and America.

David’s author/illustrator picture books ‘The Bear & The Piano’ ‘Grandad’s Secret Giant’ ‘The Bear, The Piano, The Dog & The Fiddle’ ‘Lights On Cotton Rock’ and ‘The Bear, The Piano & Little Bear’s Concert’ and ‘Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toyshop’ are all out now.

David has also illustrated a number of picture books and novels for authors such as Ross Montgomery, Gregory Maguire, David Almond and Smriti Halls as well as book covers for Kate Dicamillo, Neil Patrick Harris, Katya Balen and many more.

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5 stars
121 (55%)
4 stars
70 (31%)
3 stars
20 (9%)
2 stars
9 (4%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for *Tau*.
288 reviews30 followers
May 13, 2021
Waw, what a discovery!
Such vibrant colours, a beautiful story and an original layout.

And did I already mention those fantastic vibrant colours? 😋
Every page radiates such a luminosity!
Seldom seen something like that.
David Litchfield is definitely one of my new favourite illustrators!

This book is the third and final installment in the best-selling 'Bear and the Piano'-trilogy.
But no worries, having read the previous books isn't necessary to be able to follow this story.
Although you'll probably be inclined to discover the other ones too. At least, if they're still unknown to you.
Because did you know that the first book won many awards? Among others: Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Illustrated Book 2016, Bangkok Book Award for Best Picture Book 2018, California Young Reader Award 2019, … All the awards and nominations can be consulted here.

David Litchfield - who illustrated ánd wrote this book - has a beautiful website which is a real source of inspiration and where you can see many examples of his luminous drawing style. To discover it, click here.
To see some of the magnificent pictures of the book The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's Concert you can click here (with the arrows above on the page you can see more amazing pictures!).

A picture book with such beautiful illustrations will most likely receive 4* from my part.
But if the story is meaningful and totally in line with the drawings, it's sure to get the full 5*.
A pure joy for both children and adults!


*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,815 reviews121 followers
January 9, 2021
Wonderful ! Simply stunning artwork and illustrations, a wonderful story full of family, friendship and love. A fantastic read to share and for all ages, as everyone will be touched by this story and it’s message

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Profile Image for James Cross.
81 reviews52 followers
August 14, 2020
A lovely conclusion to a beautiful trilogy this story finds bear reach the end of his musical career and see him settle down and have Little Bear.

For a series that emphasises following your passions and doing what you love it’s a poignant conclusion to have Bear rediscover the magic of music and pass that on to his daughter.

The art -as always - is stunning, with the emotions of the bears beautifully rendered - however the real stars of the show are the gorgeous backgrounds, teeming with light, and detail. Every page is somehow soothing. Litchfield’s art is tailor made for bedtime stories there is so much for you and your child to get from the pictures and gentle story here.

In short, another must buy book - perfectly completing Bear’s journey.
Profile Image for Alex Sarll.
7,345 reviews386 followers
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July 29, 2020
The Bear And The Piano was every music biopic ever, but better, because it was about a bear. The sequel was A Star Is Born, but better because it was about a bear and a dog. And now the series wraps up with a 'getting the band back together' riff, but better because it has a whole massive band of animals. Also, an adorable daddy-daughter story (the one thing cuter than a big bear is of course a big bear and a little bear together), and the colours! Oh, the colours. The golden hour light on the glade where the old piano waits; the bisexual lighting at nightfall over the strait which separates the forest from the city. A beautiful book in every way.

(Netgalley ARC)
Profile Image for Mairéad.
917 reviews11 followers
February 3, 2022
Bear's life has changed once again in this emotional conclusion to 'The Bear and the Piano' trilogy with stunning, richly detailed illustrations which draw you right back into the beautiful world created by David Litchfield. Suitable for children aged 6+ who are sure to love the introduction of Little Bear to the narrative, this would make an excellent read aloud with primary school pupils of all ages with plenty of scope for discussion e.g. comparing Bear's life in this book and the first story, discussing the positive impact representation can have on other people (or animals in this case!) etc.
Profile Image for Jo.
450 reviews17 followers
August 4, 2020
The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert by David Litchfield is a very sweet and cute tale. The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story very well.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this.
Profile Image for Paul.
1,037 reviews18 followers
February 12, 2022
Rather disappointing. It just didn’t have the magic of the first in the series. Pitch field emoting to cash in further on his big hit, perhaps. Noah didn’t seem fussed either.
Profile Image for Marisa Costa.
529 reviews26 followers
March 4, 2024
David Litchfield, ilustrador británico, se inició en el dibujo cuando era muy pequeño. Desde entonces su trabajo ha sido publicado en revistas, diarios, libros y camisetas. También ha expuesto sus ilustraciones a nivel individual y en grupo siendo galardonado ennumerosas ocasiones y nominado en otras muchas a nivel internacional.

“El oso, el piano y elconcierto de osita” pertenece a la serie “El oso y el piano” en donde se continúa con las aventuras del carismático oso protagonista cuando sus años de gloria como músico han sucedido.

Si bien se trata de una secuela, esta tercera parte se puede leer de forma independiente, pues el autor realiza,en las primeras páginas, un repaso de las hazañas vividas de este gran músico hasta ubicar al lector en el lugar que le interesa y da inicio al cuento.

La narrativa de David es bastante sencilla; el texto es breve y conciso y se distingue, principalmente, por oraciones cortas, descripciones y vocabulario muy accesible.

Todos los personajes de las entregas anteriores aparecen en éste, sin embargo, el protagonista indiscutiblesigue siendo el oso, quien en esta ocasión va acompañado de su hija la osita. Ambos protagonizan una historia que desprende amor por la naturaleza, una transformadora mirada nostálgica al pasado y grandes dosis de amistad. Sin olvidar la importancia de la presenciade la música que impregna la serie.

El ritmo de la historia eságil y está increíblemente ilustrada por el propio autor del texto. Estas imágenes muestran una ternura y sensibilidad fascinante.

La elección de colores, la vivacidad que desprenden, la intensidad con la que se presentan las emociones y la delicadeza representada en la naturaleza hace que cada una de las viñetas casi traspasen las páginas absorbiendo por completo al lector.

Es un álbum muy visual, repleto de detalles y una técnica muy depurada que hace las delicias de cualquier amante de la literatura infantil.

El toque de nostalgia y el fiel reflejo de emociones que se desprende a través de los paisajes, tonalidades, brillos y escenificaciones consiguen captar el interés del lector. Un lector que acompaña a oso por una transición vital en donde se pone de manifiesto cómo los sueños pueden acabarse y verse abocados a un inminente final con el paso del tiempoy, a pesar de ello, convertirse en los mejores recuerdos para toda la vida.

Se trata de un libro que se centra en el fluir de la vida, en dejar ir y cerrar ciclos, en los recuerdos de momentos que una vez nos hicieron felices y de la importancia de contar con amigos que, a pesar de la distancia, siempre están ahí cuando más los necesitamos. Todo ello impregnado con una melodía que no está presente, pero puede captarse en el amor por la música que se desprende en cada página.

Sin duda alguna, “El oso, elpiano y el concierto de osita” es un libro imperdible que deja buenas sensaciones y cuya amabilidad y delicadeza enamorará a grandes y pequeños por igual. 
Profile Image for Katy Kelly.
2,691 reviews111 followers
August 31, 2020
A trilogy ends... the story of a rise and fall moves to the next generation.

I still remember being uplifted by the story of the bear in the woods, discovering a piano, a talent and an audience. It was beautiful and moving.
Another book looked at sharing the limelight and accepting others' talents with grace, at friendship. And now the final book in the Bear Trilogy looks at what happens when fame and your time in the spotlight come to an end.

Bear's audiences are shrinking, he's no longer the star draw he once was. Disenchanted and despondent, he returns to his forest home. A small bear later and he comes out of his slump as he sees the joy in simple pleasures again. But, of course, she eventually discovers the piano in the woods and sets about finding someone to help her dad rediscover his love of music.

This is a story between two tales: that of the prodigy Bear, his rise and fall and finding eventual peace, then that of the next generation looking for their own talent and continuing the family chronicle.

I found this very cinematic, with a lot of almost-storyboarded illustrations, very filmic drawings that would a delightful Christmas Day cartoon. The lessons are more accessible to older children, though younger ones will still appreciate those of family, caring for each other and the sadness of wanting attention.

A wonderful series, I hope the author has further inspiration for other picture books.

For ages 4-7.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.
Profile Image for Lexie.
34 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2020
This is the final book in the trilogy of gorgeous illustrated children's books. I read the first book, The Bear and the Piano, with my class last year and they loved it. This would be another beautiful book to share with them, with such a gorgeous message. Again, this book has gorgeous art, which is great to explore in depth with children, spotting all the little details. It's bright and colourful and really holds your attention.

I loved seeing how the Bear's life had changed since he moved away from the glitz and the glam of performing, and it was heart-warming to see how he had settled into life with his daughter Little Bear. I think it was really interesting to see Bear having fallen out of love with music a little, considering the previous focus on the importance of exploring your talents. It was lovely to see Little Bear reignite this passion in her father, and remind him of the joy music can bring to life, something he can share with his daughter. Again, there was a great focus on friendship and the support they can provide, with Hugo visiting the Bear, bringing with him all the animals who had been encouraged and inspired by the Bear and the Piano.

A lovely conclusion to the trilogy, one I can't wait to add to my collection and share with children I teach in the future.
Profile Image for William.
15 reviews
August 25, 2020
Absolutely stunning. A perfect end to one of my all time favourite series of children's books.

And I have to say that in my opinion this book is a reflection on our situation we find ourselves in today. I don't believe that this was intended by Litchfield when he was writing the book but if a parent needed a metaphor to help explain lockdown and social distancing to their child, this could be the perfect story. Bear leaves the big crowds and the big city behind and self isolates with his family back on Bear Island. Not to give too much away but there is a happy ending when all of Bear's friends are reunited and he realises that the life he once knew has not completely disappeared. A hopeful story in a time when kids- and grown ups- might need reminding that there is an end to our current situation and we will soon be able to go back to the fun, the happiness, the love and the friendships that we once knew.

This is already a classic. Bravo.
Profile Image for Sophie Snowden.
147 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2020
A lovely end to a trilogy of books which considers the bears journey and the power of music. This book is so special because it compares life with and without music and how this makes bear feel. However the feeling of sadness is over ridden when little bear comes along. Little bear then helps big bear to rediscover his love of music.
This story has potential to be explored through the theme of music where children could look at how different pieces of music feel and write about some of the other characters and how music made them feel. You could do a class project where the children write a story composed from the other characters points of view, on how they think bear has loved music.

A great book which I thoroughly recommend.
Author 276 books46 followers
January 6, 2021
The third and final episode in 'The Bear and the Piano' series, this wonderful story will resonate with both children and adults. Bear's fame in the big city has finally dwindled, leaving him bereft and unhappy. He returns home to the forest where he tries to live without the sound of applause in his ears, and without his music. But his daughter, the gorgeously realised 'Little Bear' has a plan to reconnect her father with his music. Children will love the story as Little Bear's plan comes to fruition and the older readers will warm to the message that valuable experiences will stay in your heart and continue to enrich your life long after they have passed. Lichfield's artwork, as always, is a treat and I'm sure I'll be finding details in them to enjoy for a long time to come.
Profile Image for Denise Forrest.
638 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2021
I haven’t read the two previous books in this series but now I want to. This book makes sense on its own but it would be better if it was read to children order.

After his career on the stage, Bear has retired to the woods where he plays with Little Bear doing all of the things that bears do. However, stumbling across the abandoned piano in the woods one day, Little Bear realised that Bear misses his concert days, so she invites all of the other musical animals to come to the woods for one day only for a special concert. It is only then, when so many animals turn up, that Bear realises how many other animals he has inspired to follow their dreams.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
13 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2020
Well this book unexpectedly hit me like a punch to the chest.

The final episode of the Bear and the Piano trilogy shows what happens once the fame dwindles and the crowds begin too thin out. Gradually, Bear comes to think that nobody cares any more. Thankfully, Little Bear - sad at seeing her Dad so blue - steps in and plans for one last concert.

The colour and quality of light that David Litchfield creates across the whole book is beautiful. Each page basks in that ferocious warm light that happens just before sunset.

Maybe my emotions are already all over the place because of the times we are living in, but closing this book really got me. I like how final the ending is - the bear will not last forever, but his music can.

That’s life, isn’t it.
214 reviews4 followers
Read
September 7, 2020
A beautiful end to the Bear and the Piano trilogy. Bear has returned to the forest and his piano lays almost forgotten while he raises Little Bear. Little Bear realises Bear is happy but misses making music and when she discovers the piano, invites all the musicians her father used to play with to help him realise that people still want to hear him.
With David Litchfield's familiar illustrative style, this is another stunning book with pages that almost seem to twinkle with light.
I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 reviews
August 21, 2020
Wow! I can't wait to share this book with my Year 2 class. You can't help but feel for bear as he loses the fame and glory of youth, only to be replaced by joy as it is replaced with a much greater gift - that of a child who idolises her daddy and his amazing talent. The illustrations are simple stunning and the echos with the original story help to conclude the trilogy perfectly. A really lovely story for children of all ages and their grown ups too!
53 reviews25 followers
February 1, 2021
I read a free digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased opinion. This book is just as beautiful as the two preceding books about the bear and the piano. The illustrations are stunningly colourful and luminous. It has a lovely message about doing things you love just for the joy of doing them. It's the kind of book that makes you feel glad to be alive! A perfect picture book for children and adults!
Profile Image for Becky B.
9,688 reviews205 followers
September 2, 2021
Bear has retired from his musical life and is loving just being a dad to Little Bear. When Little Bear stumbles across her father's old piano in the forest, she sees a sadness in his eyes and decides to do something about it.

A sweet little father and daughter story about a musician coming out of retirement briefly to share an old bit of magic. It's bittersweet and tender. And the illustrations marvelously convey that sense too.
Profile Image for Natalie.
1,822 reviews
September 17, 2021
This is the last book in The Bear and the Piano trilogy. Through the years, bear has played in the big city to big audiences, but slowly they begin to dwindle until he decides it is time to retire and head back into the woods. He becomes a father to Little Bear who knows nothing of his dad's past fame and music. When he learns more about it, Little Bear decides to bring dad's music and thus, joy, back.

Profile Image for Jenny Hodkin.
11 reviews
July 29, 2020
Such a lovely, heartwarming addition to a lovely series. Absolutely beautiful illustrations, as usual. Vibrant and colourful and perfect for holding attention. Love how it emphasises the importance of music and holding on to your special talents. An important reminder of friendship, and the support your friends can bring.
Profile Image for Sarah5.
176 reviews32 followers
August 8, 2020
This is the third and final book in the trilogy for young children. These are my favourite picture books for my 5 year old. The illustrations are beautiful and transport us to the forest, it is full of imagination and characters you care about too. Just wonderful.

Thanks NetGalley for this copy to review.
Profile Image for UWE Primary English Team.
144 reviews179 followers
August 10, 2020
Dan: The final book in the trilogy and it is just as beautiful as both of the first two! Litchfield's illustrations are simply stunning and the way he captures light in particular is just magical. As expected, the beautiful illustrations are tenderly matched with a simple yet wise narrative that in my opinion is a gentle and perfect ending to a wonderful trilogy. Very special.
19 reviews
August 20, 2020
If you enjoyed the first two in the series, you will adore this final book. It includes all the gorgeous illustrations that we've come to expect from David Litchfield, the heart that this series has contained from the start, the musical lilt to the words and the friendships that shine through.

In short, another masterpiece. I'm already telling everyone to buy this one.
103 reviews
October 12, 2020
This is such a beautiful story. Ada loves music and this book tells all about both the beauty and the importance of music, in everyone’s lives. It was wonderful to see just how much the music was a part of everyone and how much Bear had affected people’s lives, though he hadn’t known. It was also beautiful to see how much Little Bear would do to show her love for her dad. Such a brilliant tale.
38 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2021
An utterly charming, beautiful book with stunning illustrations which will entrance any young reader and those young at heart. Just as the publisher says the best songs stay in your heart and this is true of books and this book with its poignant message will stay long in my heart. It was an absolutely joyful read.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a wonderful read.
Profile Image for Jvermeersch.
1,596 reviews24 followers
November 12, 2022
Om het verhaal echt tot zijn recht te doen komen, had ik vermoed ik eerst de andere boeken uit de serie moeten lezen. Het voelt een beetje plat nu, maar wel voorzien van verwijzingen die ik niet kan plaatsen en een einde dat te eenvoudig gerealiseerd wordt.
Prachtig getekend wel, en met een warm verhaal.
Profile Image for Izzi.
93 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2020
Another beautiful story of the bear and the piano. I'm a fan of this series, a great story accompanied by the most wonderful illustrations.
In this story we have the introduction of little bear and the return to the forest. This has a really uplifting message and is a great story to share.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews