Bear's Adventure

Ages 3-7. Benedict Blathwayt's charming picture book gently carries us along with a Teddy bear on his great adventure - out to sea and safely home again. Bear's Adventure begins when he is left behind on the beach one day, when the children go home. As the tide rises he is carried out to sea - to float among fish and seaweed, crabs and lobsters, and one sunken treasure ship. Eventually Bear is caught in a fishing net, hung out to dry on deck, and kindly left on a wharf with a "Found" notice. A curious seagull carries him up and away, then drops him on the waves - and Bear's adventure is finally over when he floats back to his own beach, where loving arms claim him.This fine little book satisfies readers on several levels. First, it's a delightful picture book for young readers, with simple text. Young children will enjoy Bear's adventure with confidence that it will all end happily. Benedict Blathwayt's pictures are full of rewarding details of the beach, underwater sea world, fishing boat and wharf, yet the images remain clear and simple. And for the noticing adult (this is the other level of enjoyment) there are careful and accurate clues that place the story on the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland. In particular, look for a panorama of the old wharf and harbour at Tobermory. Having spent a month on Mull this summer I can say that the island landscape, from the little wildflowers of the machair (where beach and meadow meet), to the curiously peaked seashells and slanted, northern sunlight, is drawn here with loving accuracy.