Janosch is the pen name of Horst Eckert, one of Germany's most popular authors and illustrators of children's books. His works have won several awards.
Janosch‘s beautiful story addresses children as well as parents! The winter premise dealing with an old man and a bear is a wonderful platform to explore the meaning of selflessness, sharing and how to leave a footprint in this world.
A must-read in preparation to the festive season 🎄.
Sehr philosophisch, sehr nachdenklich machend. (K)eine Weihnachtsgeschichte, die viel von kleinen leisen Tönen und den Bildern lebt, die Janosch erschafft. Eine Geschichte über den Tod, über Hilfe und unterlassene Hilfe, über Einsamkeit und Freundschaft. Kein Buch, mit dem man Kinder alleine lassen sollte.
A rather strange story of an old man who helps birds. As he grows more frail, he is, in turn, helped by the animals of the forest. Depressing, yet uplifting.
If your child is already morose, this will not improve the little tyke's demeanor.
*I read the English version, The Old Man and the Bear, but there is currently no cover available.
Ein nettes, aber auch trauriges Buch. Ich habe nicht gewusst, dass es eine Weihnachtsgeschichte ist. Es ist dennoch ein schönes Buch, das ich gern wieder lesen werde.
Of course, I read the 1985 English translation, THE OLD MAN AND THE BEAR. An older man, misunderstood by the other villagers, befriends songbirds and advocates on their behalf, even if it means sharing the last of his meager resources. Even if it means falling into supplication to the bear. And his example touches each one of the forest creatures.
A tough/tender picture book in that it deals with aging and death, but this is a classic retelling of a Polish story which would serve well as an example of adapting familiar family stories.