Norton and the Borrowing Bear by Gabriel Evans

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a friend living right next door to you?  Well, as Norton discovers, it can certainly pose some challenges when that friend wants to borrow all of your favourite things. This is a story about setting limits and learning to accept your friends, flaws and all. Simon and Schuster

Norton, who lives at number 42 has a new neighbour - a bear. If you look closely at the title page you can see bear looking in the window of a real estate agent.

Each day bear borrows something - fluffy slippers; the teapot and teacup; Norton's yellow jumper (it is surely way too small); his yoga mat; and finally Norton's comfy chair. You can see some of these things on the cover. When you look at the end papers all of Norton's things are carefully set out but at the back there are way too many gaps. 

"Bear! Stop borrowing my things! You can't just take things and not return them. It's rude! It's Inconsiderate! It's not what friends do!"

It's probably an only child 'thing' but I am not very good at lending things - except of course library books! So, I totally sympathise with poor Norton who feels utterly bereft as each of his precious things are taken away and not returned (especially those fluffy slippers). 

This book feels like a prequel to Norton and the Bear from the 2021 CBCA short list. Borrowing Norton’s jumper foreshadows future events when bear copies Norton’s fashion style in this previous instalment. 

There is a lot to talk about here, beginning with why Norton has a name and the bear does not. He doesn't even have a capital "B" for bear. The emotional content of this story is very strong and I am sure many young readers will relate to the feelings of loss when borrowed things are not returned. Even with his voluminous beard it is clear that Norton is fretting when we see him sitting up in bed worrying about his slippers.  

Having bear borrow very personal items such as the slippers and his cup and teapot add to the fun but also to the sense of loss and indignation Norton must be feeling. This also leads perfectly to the most important thing of all – finding a true friend. This message is clear without being heaving handed. The street scenes have a great sense of movement and crowding alongside the feeling of isolation as everyone walks alone focused on their personal destinations. The little assorted human and animal characters, with their quirky array of human clothing adds to the visual interest. Just like Gariel Evans, Australia illustrator Gus Gordon is also a master of this form.

I like the way the font changes colour to show the speaker - tan for bear and red for Norton. 

You might like to check out my Pinterest of books with Unlikely Friends.  This topic could make a terrific mini theme. And of course you will want to explore this quote from Shakespeare - Neither a borrower nor a lender be.