The Old Man and the Bear

Janosch, who was born in 1931, enjoys cult status in Germany and some of his creations, especially the famous Tigerente (tiger duck), are a part of popular culture. Janosch has a special style that conveys a lot in very little words, being philosophical and humane at the same time. He illustrates his stories in a distinctive style.
This story is not as well known as some others, but I was excited to read it.
The protagonist is an old man who works very hard and earns very little, but he saves all of his money to buy as many birds as possible from a bird catcher during Christmas time. He then sets them free and also tends to any birds that are weak or ill. As he gets older, he cannot work that much and only has money to buy one small, show more ailing bird. The old man does not have any food left or any wood to start a fire, so he takes the bird to the bear for help.
This was one of the saddest stories I have ever read, it tucked at my heartstrings from beginning to end. The old man dies soon after reaching the bear's cave, and the bear and the bird die in the end, too, because the humans do not help them on Christmas Eve. It's incredibly sad! But it is also beautiful because of Janosch's gentle words and the comforting message in the end.
While Janosch is foremost a children's author, this story can be read by adults just as well. show less