Award-winning illustrator Carin Berger harbors in spring with this warm tale of a bear cub, who, just like impatient human children, has a bit of trouble with waiting.
The story begins in the cool days of fall, when Maurice and his mom fill up on berries to get ready for hibernation. “Waiting is hard,” his mother tells Maurice. While Mama Bear slips into a winter nap, Maurice ventures out of the den to find spring all by himself.
But, as Maurice soon finds, spring is just one of those things that comes in its own time. This is the advice Robin gives him before she flies south just in time to miss the first snowfall. For his part, Maurice is treated to a flurry of gorgeous snowflakes. Eventually, Maurice drifts into hibernation and, accompanied by a burst of bright colors, is able to share the excitement of spring with other forest friends when he finally wakes up.
Berger’s ingenious paper collages, which are crafted out of ephemera including old books, letters, receipts and various kinds of paper, bring a sophisticated and fresh look to a familiar story. While young children will delight in Maurice’s adventures, adults and budding artists will find delight in perusing the details of the art, from the jaunty hat on Robin’s head to miniature striped flowers to imposing, magnificent trees. Like spring itself, this story is an enchantment.
Deborah Hopkinson lives near Portland, Oregon. Her most recent book for young readers is The Great Trouble.
