Yesterday we braved the elements and went to the Scottish Deer Centre. We spotted plenty of deer, elk, the Scottish Wildcat and were stalked...

Curl Up with A Letter for Bear

Sunday, November 29, 2015 BookBairn 15 Comments

Yesterday we braved the elements and went to the Scottish Deer Centre. We spotted plenty of deer, elk, the Scottish Wildcat and were stalked the length of the enclosure of the wolves. Alas, we did not see the bears, they are hibernating. I can't blame them it is the time of year for snuggling up. BookBairn and I enjoy a daily hibernation under a blanket in front of the fire with a good book and have discovered the perfect wintry read. 'A Letter for Bear' by David Lucas is full of beautiful illustrations which will transport you through the 'wardrobe' into a winter wonderland.

This is the heart-warming tale of Bear who delivers letters, getting to know all the animals in his local woodland neighbourhood for whom he decides to throw a party. I won't spoil the ending other than to say that it will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy (think the 2013 John Lewis advert with the bear and the hare).

This is perhaps one of the most stylish and sophisticated picture books that we have read. Full of beautiful imagery in the text - 'a snowstorm of letters' and illustrations which wold not look out of place in an art gallery, it is a treat for the ears and eyes! Featuring a limited colour palette of blues, purples, pinks and oranges it is visually quite different from all the other books in BookBairn's library. When we read the book, she is captivated by the illustrations and reaches out to touch the snowflakes which are scattered across every page. I am also delighted by the fact that she is now able to turn the pages of both paperback and board books and she flicked through these pages enjoying the beautiful end-papers in particular.

This story brings back memories for me of curling up with my own mum, G'ma BookBairn, and reading 'The Jolly Christmas Postman' by Janet Ahlberg. Another Christmas book to re-discover with BookBairn when she is older and less-prone to eating the postman's letters. It has also reminded me of the joys of #happymail not simply because I was happy to get this book in the post but also Bear's joy at receiving cards in the post from the woodland creatures... I think I'll get writing those Christmas cards this week!

Happy 'snuggling up with a book', Mummy and BookBairn xx


***We are very excited to run another competition! If you would like to win a copy of A Letter for Bear (perfect festive reading), please comment below. (Additional entries will be available so keep an eye out by following us on twitter and on facebook.) UK residents only please. Competition closes 5.12.15.***

UPDATE - Competition is now closed. Thanks to all who entered! Mummy and BookBairn x



*DISCLAIMER* I was given our book for free for review purposes, however all words and opinions are my own.

15 comments:

  1. We have just borrowed this from our local library, it's a lovely book, great illustrations.

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    1. Glad that you are enjoying it too. If you would like to win a copy, I will need to know a name or nickname to enter you into the competition. Thanks!

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    2. Emma. For some reason it wouldn't let me leave my name. I used to work with g'ma book bairn some years ago :-) x

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  2. Lovely post! I remember G'ma BookBairn's special treat of being allowed to read The Jolly Christmas Postmand to Mummy's class one year! Look forward to reading A Letter for Bear soon

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    1. It's waiting for you on the mantelpiece next time you are here!

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  3. Looks like a lovely book for BookBairn to enjoy. Look forward to her showing it to me.

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  4. Looks lovely so count me in for the draw. Planning our new house to have a big baby library xx

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    1. Ooooo, can I help plan the library? Good luck in the competition! xx

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  5. A Letter for Bear looks gorgeous - great giveaway :)

    #readwithme

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    1. You would love it Catherine! Good luck in the competition! x

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  6. Oh what a wonderful book and doesn't she look ever so pleased with it :) Thanks for sharing with #readwithme

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    1. Thanks for running the linky! She's such a wee poser! x

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  7. Sounds like a great book, I'll look out for it! #sundaystars

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  8. This looks like a great little read. I love seeing little ones enjoying books. Thanks for linking up to #sundaystars x

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