From School Library Journal
PreS-K—Bird looks for a friend on his first day within the new forest. He spies Bear but is too shy to introduce himself. Before he builds up the courage to speak to the stranger, Bear finds a handsome though silent red balloon. Bear's play with Balloon is watched from afar by isolated, lonely Bird. When the wind blows Balloon away, Bird tries to rescue it, however the balloon pops. Bird and Bear now develop into friends and share great fun. Perspectives change on each and every spread, as does the placement of figures at the white backgrounds. The result is a dramatic pacing as the tale moves from richly hued spreads to smaller portraits of Bird and Bear on open pages. This simply told tale of unlikely friendships and resilience is as appealing as the writer's Opposite Zoo and Welcome Home Bear. VERDICT A sweet, endearing tale just right for sharing one-on-one or with small groups.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library
Review
★ "As simple and soft as a hug—and as reassuring." —Kirkus, starred
Praise for Il Sung Na:
“Il Sung Na’s illustrative art is so joyous, so jubilantly colorful, it feels celebratory and poetic even if the story is simple and spare.” —The Boston Globe (A Book of Babies)
★ “[A] grand read-aloud.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred (Welcome Home, Bear)
★ "It’s the rare picture book that, upon arrival, feels as though it has been around for years already; Na’s belongs to this group.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred (A Book of Sleep)
★ "Vibrant [and] whimsical.” —School Library Journal, Starred (Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit)
See all Editorial Reviews
A fresh and heartwarming new story from Il Sung Na about finding the courage to make a friend. Bird is new to the forest, and he’s on the lookout for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance? From the acclaimed Il Sung Na comes a charming and beautifully illustrated story about courage, kindness, and friendship.Peek within the jacket for a special poster! Praise for Il Sung Na: "Na brings fresh energy to the familiar. With a coloring style that feels as if somebody took a firecracker to a box of crayons, Na makes turtle shells as dynamic as a peacock's plumage." --The New York Times (The Opposite Zoo) “Il Sung Na’s illustrative art is so joyous, so jubilantly colorful, it feels celebratory and poetic even if the story is simple and spare.” —The Boston Globe (A Book of Babies)★ “[A] grand read-aloud.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred (Welcome Home, Bear) ★ "It’s the rare picture book that, upon arrival, feels as though it has been around for years already; Na’s belongs to this group.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred (A Book of Sleep)★ "Vibrant [and] whimsical.” —School Library Journal, Starred (Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit)
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