A Boy and a Bear in a Boat

[Note: this is a children's book, but I wouldn't let that put you off]

Loved this book - an existential comedy, for inquisitive, imaginative kids. A very simple concept - which is summed up exactly by the title. The plot is fairly (deliberately) slight, but through the tribulations he and the bear suffer, it you see the boy maturing and learning to appreciate the important things. I thought Shelton judged this just beautifully - sometimes I thought things would work out a bit too conveniently, but he subverted my expectations well.

Also, this is a beautiful - and beautifully understated - edition of the book. The cover is lovely, like a solid, well-loved, travelling notebook. The corners have been artfully distressed, to give it just the show more right degree of batteredness. The binding and dimensions make it a lovely, tactile object. Also Shelton's illustrations are very nicely done - fun and evocative, with a very nicely restrained pallet, which helps just make the book feel like a beautifully realised, singular whole. show less

Read this one aloud to Iz. He got it for me for my birthday because the Bear the plays the Ukulele. It ended up being a pretty great read. Boy and Bear's relationship is so good. In the end you don't mind that they don't get anywhere.

Unless this book had some hidden meaning behind it, it was very basic. Yet still enjoyable. The closest thing I could come to a hidden meaning could be that it represents the river sticks. I would reccomend this to much younger readers than myself although if you need relaxing and are up for a bit of a laugh this book is suitable for anyone and everyone.

Read in one quick sitting, out of duty to read through the 2013 Carnegie Medal shortlist. Characters too thinly drawn, minuscule plot, not memorable. Not a medal winner.

Existential adventure for middle grade readers. For those not yet ready for Life of Pi.

I like this book because when they are lost, they come across huge waves, sea monsters and end up stranded in islands.

I did not understand this book at all. I liked it, But, I didn't understand it.