Wolf and Bear by Kate Rolfe

You could begin by reading my recent post about picture books that explore the topic of depression. This is a topic I am still pondering. 

If you have read Listen, Hippo! by Gabriel Evans this book - Wolf and Bear - has a similar story line. 

"Sometimes a great heaviness would fall over Bear and the shadows of the mountain would draw him away."

Wolf tries so hard to reach her friend. She brings gifts and has lots of suggestions of games they could play together Then it starts to snow and Wolf invites Bear to skate or skid or slide. But Bear just says no and NO!

Wolf is sad that she cannot reach her friend and so she climbs up the mountain and sings her sorrow to the moon. Bear hears this beautiful sound and so he follows the sound back into the light and back into the arms of his friend. He still does not want to romp and play but ...

"we could sit together and I could listen to you sing ... So that is what they do. Whenever a bright moon rises over the horizon, Bear slips out of the shadow to hear Wolf's song... and she sings it just for (her friend) Bear."

So, this is a book about sadness or depression. It does not offer an easy solution and I was impressed that Bear is 'allowed' to be depressed again from time to time. There is no sense in this book the Bear is wrong or that Bear needs to be fixed. Wolf is just a wonderful friend who wants to bring back their connection but for now sitting together enjoying a sweet song is enough. 

A complex tale containing challenging ideas, but also a rewarding read that reinforces the importance of all forms of creativity in our lives. Just Imagine

Altogether, Wolf and Bear, a picture book of empathy and friendship, around sorrow and darkness, love and understanding, is quite wonderful. Bookwagon loves and recommends this beautiful, beautiful book.

There’s an authenticity about Bear’s experience (and Wolf’s reaction to it) that draws us deep into this story and makes it easy to engage, but fundamental issues about mental health, wellbeing and relationships are also being explored in ways that prompt reflection, discussion and growth. Books for Keeps

You can read more about the way Kate Rolfe creates her art here. 

This book was short listed for the Waterstones Children's book prize 2024. It is the twentieth year of this award. Here is the full set of picture book titles. I have already talked about The Secret Elephant and The Seach for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish:

Companion books to read after Wolf and Bear:

The Rabbit Listened

Listen, Hippo!