STORYTIME WITH PICTURE BOOK AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR MATTHEW CORDELL AND HIS NEW BOOK, “BEAR ISLAND”

On Saturday, January 30th at 2:00 PM, author and Illustrator Matthew Cordell returns to The Book Stall’s virtual “stage” to share with us his wonderful new book, Bear Island. Publishers Weekly says, “In a story that respects grief’s slow pace, Cordell’s writing and artwork together carry grace, economy, and heart.” We say: Any work by Matthew Cordell is a treasure. We recommend this program for ages 5 to 105. It is free, but registration is required.

BONUS: Purchase Bear Island either online or by calling us at 847-446-8880, and we can get your book signed and personalized. If ordering online, write your personalization request in the “Order Comments” section of your order.

About the book: Louise and her family are sad over the loss of their beloved dog, Charlie. Life will not be the same, Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on a visit to the island after Charlie’s death, something strange happens: She meets a bear. At first, she’s afraid, but soon she realizes that the bear is sad, too. As Louise visits more often, she realizes that getting over loss takes time. Here is a lovely, poignant story about loss and healing that will bring comfort to even the youngest readers.

“Grief can be particularly difficult to address with young children, and Cordell wisely eschews the platitudes often associated with this emotion, choosing instead to demonstrate the healing powers of nature and time.”—Booklist

About the author: Matthew Cordell is the author and illustrator of Caldecott Award winner Wolf in the Snow, Trouble Gum, Another Brother, hello! hello!, and Wish. He has illustrated the books of renowned authors including Philip Stead (Special Delivery), Rachel Vail (the Justin Case series), and Gail Carson Levine (Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It). He lives outside of Chicago with his wife, the novelist Julie Halpern, and their two children. Do yourself a favor and follow him on Instagram: @cordell_matthew.