Nora and the Great Bear

This book is great for all ages. The story is enchanting for younger readers, but it offers life lessons for all ages. In particular, the message that we are all journeying to discover who we are and what we can offer is timeless. Also, I love the idea that sometimes we need to set aside what is "always done" for what is "unconventional", a sort of "road less travelled" idea. This book is a must have for all ages.

I have searched to buy this out-of-print book since my children and I borrowed it from a library. "Nora" is my daughter's nickname, in part because of this book. The story is about a confident little girl who bucks stereoptypes by wanting to be a great archer, the one to kill the fabled great bear. But when she sees it, she respects its beauty too much to kill it. It's a wonderful lesson on many fronts, and even my two-year-old enjoyed looking for the secret hidden bear on each page... It was really there watching the villagers all the while. My children first spotted this. On quick read, one might miss it. A special touch kids love.