Olivier Dunrea

The animals of the North Woods anticipate the arrival of Bear Noel, that ursine gift giver who brings Christmas to their kind, in this lovely holiday picture book from author/illustrator Olivier Dunrea. Despite being predator and prey at other times, or habitually being in hibernation, a group of woodland creatures come together in peace, each one adding a line to their litany of eagerness, waiting for Bear Noel to arrive and share the largesse he has in store for them...

I've read a few show more other picture books from Dunrea, including the subsequent A Christmas Tree for Pyn, but Bear Noel is my favorite of the lot, so far! I saw it reviewed a few years ago by some friends, and meant to seek it out, only to get sidetracked, as I so frequently do. I'm glad I remembered to request it from the library this season, as I enjoyed pretty much everything about it. I appreciated the repetitive text, in which each animal adds a phrase, describing Bear Noel's actions, as it recalls certain kinds of Christmas carols, such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, which also has a structure in which repetition is used, with the original verse being continually expanded upon. I liked this ursine hero's name itself, which is a clever reference to France's Père Noël. Most of all, I loved the artwork, which is just gorgeous! I have a weakness for wintry scenes, and skillful animal depictions, and here we have both, beautifully done! Recommended to picture book readers looking for Christmas stories featuring woodland creatures. show less

A young girl named Pyn, living with her gruff father in an isolated mountain cabin, looks forward to Christmas in this new holiday tale from Olivie Dunrea, creator of the Gossie and Friends picture-books. But although Oother - who refuses to allow his daughter to call him Papa - loves his daughter, he is not a flexible man, and resists the idea of allowing a Christmas tree in the home. Fortunately, Pyn knows when to persist, and her obvious love and care for her father, as well as her show more longing for some holiday magic, eventually softens his heart, resulting in an unexpected Christmas gift, and a growing (perhaps resurfacing?) closeness between father and child...

I appreciated Dunrea's understated narrative, in A Christmas Tree for Pyn, which its implication of loss - Oother reflects that Pyn looks just like her (absent) mother, at one point, and eventually gives her (Pyn) an ornament that belonged to her - and its message of healing. I think we're meant to believe that the mother has died, and that Oother is still grieving for her, which gives his distinct lack of holiday spirit a poignant construction. Christmas can be a difficult time for the bereaved, and Dunrea captures that very nicely here. I had a more mixed reaction to the artwork, which appealed to me at times - loved the scene in which Pyn and Oother are standing in the falling snow, looking at the tree that is soon to be theirs - and left me mostly indifferent - the indoor scenes felt a little flat to me - at others. Still, although I wouldn't classify this as one of my favorites, when it comes to Christmas picture-books, I'm glad to have picked it up, and recommend it to young readers - particularly those who have recently experienced a loss - looking for engaging Christmas stories. show less

A little banshee named Ravena finds herself out of step with the rest of her family in this sweetly spooky picture-book from author/illustrator Olivier Dunrea. All of the other Ravenlocks liked to wail, wash their laundry and look at their reflections in the nearby rock pool—none of which appealed to Ravena. So one night she packed her few belongings and set out to find a new home, experiencing a few missteps—trying to enter an occupied trow-wife hole, being grabbed by a bogtrotter while show more resting against a standing stone—before she finally found what she was looking for, in an abandoned cairn...

Published in 1984, Ravena was (according to the rear dust-jacket blurb) supposed to be the first of four picture-books devoted to the adventures of the eponymous banshee. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the subsequent three titles were every published, which is rather disappointing, as banshee-focused picture-books are not that common. In any case, I found the story engaging, and the artwork, done in muted and sepia tones, with the occasional colorful flourish, quite cute. I don't know that I was as impressed by this one as I'd hoped to be given the subject matter, but I enjoyed it enough that I regret the other three books about the character were never produced. The author blurb on the rear dust-jacket flap mentions research into Scottish prehistory and folklore, which rather surprised me, as I associate banshees more with Ireland than Scotland, but that is no doubt a limitation of my knowledge. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for stories featuring banshees, and some of the artifacts—stand stones, cairns, fairy mounds—of Celtic prehistory. show less

Old Bear and His Cub by Olivier Dunrea is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the touching story of an elderly bear and his young cub. The story captures the deep bond between the two, with Old Bear teaching Little Cub valuable lessons of love, care, and companionship.

The narrative unfolds gently, with Old Bear guiding Little Cub through various adventures. The illustrations are soft and tender, enhancing the emotions conveyed in the story. The color palette of show more the artwork is calming, with muted tones of brown and blue, reflecting the peaceful nature of their world. Dunrea's writing is simple yet profound, making it easy for young readers to connect with the characters.

One of the highlights of the book is how Dunrea emphasizes the importance of friendship, patience, and unconditional support. Old Bear, despite his age, is depicted as a loving, wise figure, while Little Cub shows eagerness and curiosity. Their interactions convey a deep sense of nurturing that resonates with readers of all ages.

Old Bear and His Cub is ideal for children aged 3 to 6 years. The book's gentle pace and the simple yet powerful themes make it a great bedtime read or storytime choice for young children. Parents and caregivers will also find this book a wonderful tool to discuss the themes of love, caring for others, and the special bonds shared between generations.

Overall, this book is a lovely addition to any child’s library, offering both warmth and wisdom in a charming, accessible way. Its timeless appeal will leave both children and adults with a sense of comfort and joy. show less