Norton and the Bear
Norton was horrified.
He walked quickly away from the bear.
People would think they were identical.
He needed to look different – fast!
Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Or is it just annoying? Follow Norton as he attempts to avoid a bear who begins to copy his appearance. A hilarious read-aloud picture book about individuality.
“Norton and the bear don’t just seem human; they are human. And clothes don’t make the animal.” – New York Times.
Shortlisted CBCA Picture Book of the Year. The illustrations were created in watercolour, gouache and pencil.
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New York Times
“The conceit that enables the premise of this book – poignant comic tension between an “exceptionally unique” dog and a copycat bear – to succeed so spectacularly is its setting, a world in which fully dressed animals walking on two feet mingle seamlessly with humans.”
Booklist – American Library Association (ALA)
★ Starred Review ★
“A comical look at admiration gone too far…With a message sure to resonate with both trend setters and followers, this story will have wide appeal.”
School Library Journal (SLJ)
“Heart-warming and humorous, as well as filled with rewarding discussion opportunities, this is a valuable addition to all collections.”
ReadPlus (click for full review)
Highly recommended.
“The humour will grab children as they will see their own overreactions within Norton’s despair at Bear and his copying. This is a simple, meaningful and visually stunning book that reminds us all that what we look like on the outside doesn’t matter nearly so much as what we are like on the inside.”
CBCA Reading Time
“This is an endearing story about the contradictory need to be different, yet to belong. ..Gabriel Evans has taken this theme and created two lovable relatable characters who struggle with the push pull of this dichotomy until they realise they are inherently unique on the inside.”
Magpie Magazine
“The simple story is aptly served by judicious book design and technically excellent illustrations that sets just the right atmosphere and mood.
Across the beige pages the characters keep distance between each other; Bear is jolly and fulsome, Norton dandy and tentative. So much character is achieved by deft line in the drawing. A first-class picture book for our youngest readers.”
Kids’ Book Review (click for full review)
“Norton and the Bear is a wonderful story about similarities and differences, and that it’s ok to have both. It’s a reminder that even if we have things in common, there are always things that make each of us unique.”
Publisher: Berbay Books
ISBN: 9780648785132
Format: Hardback
Australian RRP: $25.99
Gabriel Evans 