I simply had to finish The Dancing Bear By Michael Morpurgo in one go. Everything around could just wait.
I have a confession to make. I picked this book from the library on a whim. I like Michael Morpurgo's writing. I didn't need to know more about the book. I was certain that it will be good. Sure enough The Dancing Bear was a fine read!
Set in picturesque village near snowy mountains, where people lead simple and routine lives, where almost every one is a shepherd. Their sheep cheese is the best. Amongst them is a man with a limp. His limp prevented him from becoming a shepherd and hence he became a teacher instead. Being a teacher, he is the best narrator for this beautifully poignant story of rare friendship between a little girl and a bear. She is an orphan growing up with her grandfather who cares only about money. By chance she finds the baby bear and brings him home. It wasn't easy to get permission to have the bear as the villagers saw bears as a threat to their sheep and hence to their very livelihood. She somehow manages to convince the whole village that the bear can stay in the village. What follows is a heartwarming story of friendship between the girl and the bear over the years. Even the villagers grow fond of the bear.
A story isn't a story if all is well and normal. There needs to be something to shake things up. A big change comes about. It is about to transform this girl rather woman's life. Several years have passed since the bear arrived at the village. She finds herself at crossroads uncertain about what she must do. Difficult decisions are made. The book ends on a thought provoking note- a takeaway that will remain the minds of the reader for a long time. Sad, yes but there couldn't have been a better and more meaningful ending.
The ending is perfect for discussion between an adult and a young reader. As a matter fact, highly recommend it.
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