Return with the light

by Tara Shannon

Tara Shannon delights, inspires and comforts her readers, young and old. What started out as a resonating social media post gone viral during the beginning of the pandemic has morphed into a series of raw and authentic stand-alone insights into our existence--both individually and collectively.

As a follow-up to Tara's first book Rabbit & Bear Make a Wish , the graphic novel Rabbit & Bear Return with the Light delves deeper into the human existence as we quest to find meaning. Dealing with themes of purpose, loss, grief, depression, the book brings its reader along for the ride, letting them know that finding and sharing light is not only possible, but probable with the help of friends and insight.

80 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like a curmudgeon, but I have realized these kind of books generally just aren’t for me. I wasn’t a huge fan of The Boy, the Horse, the Fox, and the Mole (or whoever) either, but I liked that one better than this.

There are good thoughts here. But they are not at all linear or divided, so it feels jumpy and nonsensical. It didn’t flow and that is what I would have preferred. If there had been a page of art between the topic jumps, it would have helped. Bear is the dispenser of wisdom except for two pages where rabbit inexplicably has the advice 🤷‍♀️

Speaking of art, there were some lovely drawings. However, they were repeated again and again, sometimes flipping the image, sometimes putting a different background in. I don’t know why it bothered me, but it felt lazy. And that’s before I saw that it’s a $27 book on Amazon - it’s around 70 pages of actual writing and illustrations.

I like the message of returning with the light: when you’ve passed through your darkness, come back with the light you’ve found to help others in the dark.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet drawings and heartfelt reminders and words of wisdom for having compassion for ourselves and others during the tough times.

[JD Waggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely love Shannon's posts on FB, which is what inspired me to track down a book. Unfortunately, the posts are better; this is a conglomeration of them with no overarching story or connection beyond encouragement, which made it feel a bit like a one-a-day calendar instead of a book. The quality of it is also lesser, which is mostly a publisher problem but also is an interesting authorial allowance. Most of the pages are black and white regular print, but some are color photocopy and it makes the drawings seem pasted in, the disparity between the page types a sensory shudder.

I love Rabbit and Bear and Shannon's ongoing use of them to tell stories of hope and strength, but I'd stick with the social media posts rather than investing in this. Maybe with a better publisher and some more connective tissue.

[Renee Cronley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbit & Bear is a treasure trove of heartwarming anecdotes that tackle difficult themes such as loss, trauma, and mistakes, leaving the reader with a message of hope.

The book's arrangement creatively represents the fluctuating emotions of everyday life through alternating coloured and black and white drawings. And every verse is a tender reminder to have self-compassion.

My favourite verse in this book is: “I have felt no greater pain than the moment your heart stopped beating. And mine carried on…” So heartbreakingly beautiful and real.

With its profound messaging, simplicity, and brevity, Rabbit & Bear is a soothing read that nourishes the soul.

I highly recommend it!

[Charlotte]

Gorgeous illustrations, poignant choice of words. What skill to capture complex and profound emotions in one or two illustrations and a couple of words. This book is to be revisited every time you are in need of an arm around your shoulders.

[Patti Colbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing

[Barbara Rabicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Tara for sharing your light with us! A beautiful heartwarming read and worthy of framing the gorgeous illustrations. Will be buying copies for future gifts for my friends!

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional! Everyone in this world should read her books