Bear has just woken up from his long sleep to find someone waiting for him.
“Hello Butterfly.”
Butterfly invites Bear on a great journey. Bear doesn’t hesitate and they set off.
Bear wants to know where they’re going, but Butterfly doesn’t seem to have a destination in mind, saying…
“The journey itself is the reward.”
Bear puts his trust in Butterfly and follows her far from home. Through trees, up mountains and down the other side. He asks questions along the way, but again, Butterfly answers vaguely.
The further they go, the more Bear learns from Butterfly. Through dark nights and hot days, and snacks of delicious berries. The further they go the more Bear forgets to think about a possible destination and notices the world around him. The sun on his back, a starry sky above them or the sound of the breeze in the grass.
But this journey isn’t all easy, and finally a challenge faces Bear that he doesn’t believe he can conquer. With Butterfly’s belief in him, he makes the leap.
Finally after many miles, and with the seasons coming full circle, Bear recognises their final destination – Home.
This is a refrain we have all said or heard in our lives. “Are we there yet?” Usually it is impatient children wanting to arrive at a destination.
This hardback picture book shares this common concept through two creatures – one big, one small. One powerful, one delicate. One young, one wise.
Along the way, this young, strong bear listens to his friend’s advice and explanation of the world around them, learning many wise principles from Buddhist based philosophies.
This is a gentle read with this author/illustrator’s distinctive graphic style of illustration, sharing lessons learnt through time and gathering of wisdom. There is humour, wisdom, action, kindness, questions and answers all rolled up in this story.
Perfect for bedtime.
Author / Illustrator – Sven Völker
Picture Book
See Inside here
(2023, Cicada Books, Animals, Insects, Bear, Butterfly, Enjoy the Journey, Travel, Wise, Wisdom, Action, Adventure, Trust, Love, Kindness, Growing up, Life Lessons, Buddhist philosophies, Values, Resilience, Self Belief)