"Laura Amy Schlitz is one of the finest storytellers being published today, and she does not disappoint with this magnificent retelling." – Wall Street Journal
Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear’s skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, The Bearskinner is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.
SELECTION ALA Notable Children's Book
SELECTION Horn Book Fanfare
Schlitz narrates with clarity, grace, and sensitivity. . . . A provocative edition that should set older children thinking about the meaning of endurance and heroism. — Horn Book(starred review)
An unabashedly old-fashioned retelling, making few concessions to modern sensibilities; as such, it carries a power rarely found in fairy-tale retellings. – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
An accomplished retelling…Schlitz gracefully distills the original text, softens its harsh ending, and emphasizes the message about enduring and overcoming great personal challenges. – Booklist
Ponderable but never ponderous . . . young readers will find plenty to discuss here. – Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Exquisitely adapted from a Grimm tale by Laura Amy Schlitz, and illustrated by Max Grafe, this puts every value you want your kids to have – seriously – into what would be a page-turner if you weren't so inclined to linger over the haunting images. – Washington Post
Told with lyrical language and evocative sepia-toned paintings, this timeless tale with resonate with readers – School Library Journal’s Curriculum Connections
A tale of choices and finding a way to survive a seemingly impossible challenge. – Library Media Connection
Laura Amy Schlitz is the author of three other books for children: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!; The Hero Schliemann: The Dreamer Who Dug Fortroy; and A Drowned Maiden's Hair, a Cybils Award winner. A librarian and professional storyteller, Laura Amy Schlitz lives in Maryland.
Max Grafe has illustrated several books for children, including Old Coyote by Nancy Wood, The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-Na-Ween by Ruth Sawyer, and Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac. Max Grafe lives in New York.
"Laura Amy Schlitz is one of the finest storytellers being published today, and she does not disappoint with this magnificent retelling." – Wall Street Journal
Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear’s skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, The Bearskinner is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.
Awards
SELECTION ALA Notable Children's Book
SELECTION Horn Book Fanfare
Praise
Schlitz narrates with clarity, grace, and sensitivity. . . . A provocative edition that should set older children thinking about the meaning of endurance and heroism. — Horn Book(starred review)
An unabashedly old-fashioned retelling, making few concessions to modern sensibilities; as such, it carries a power rarely found in fairy-tale retellings. – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
An accomplished retelling…Schlitz gracefully distills the original text, softens its harsh ending, and emphasizes the message about enduring and overcoming great personal challenges. – Booklist
Ponderable but never ponderous . . . young readers will find plenty to discuss here. – Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Exquisitely adapted from a Grimm tale by Laura Amy Schlitz, and illustrated by Max Grafe, this puts every value you want your kids to have – seriously – into what would be a page-turner if you weren't so inclined to linger over the haunting images. – Washington Post
Told with lyrical language and evocative sepia-toned paintings, this timeless tale with resonate with readers – School Library Journal’s Curriculum Connections
A tale of choices and finding a way to survive a seemingly impossible challenge. – Library Media Connection
Author
Laura Amy Schlitz is the author of three other books for children: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!; The Hero Schliemann: The Dreamer Who Dug Fortroy; and A Drowned Maiden's Hair, a Cybils Award winner. A librarian and professional storyteller, Laura Amy Schlitz lives in Maryland.
Max Grafe has illustrated several books for children, including Old Coyote by Nancy Wood, The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-Na-Ween by Ruth Sawyer, and Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac. Max Grafe lives in New York.
