Little Bear's Spring
Little Bear's Spring is a glorious reminder for children and adults of just how wonderful the natural world is, and that, sometimes, the unlikeliest of friendships are the best kind.
Little Bear has just woken up from his long winter sleep. But when he pokes his head out of the den, the world around him is vast, white and silent. The only thing he sees is a smooth little stone, just as alone in the snowy wilderness as he is. He nestles it in tight to his fur and off they go in search of friends.
Little Bear's Spring is a lyrical story about friendship, with a gentle introduction to spring and what happens to the natural world when the seasons change. Written by star picture book author Elli Woollard and illustrated by Briony May Smith, whose artwork brings a sun-dappled springtime landscape to life with breathtaking beauty.
Elli Woollard is an exciting talent on the picture books scene, who started writing stories after an embarrassing incident in which her youngest son broke Michael Rosen's glasses. In addition to picture books, she also writes children's poems. Her snappy rhymes, catchy rhythms and witty stories are sure to make her a huge success. Elli's stories include The Giant of Jum, Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories and The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight for Macmillan, as well as the young fiction series Swashbuckle Li. Elli lives in London with her four children, her husband and two guinea pigs.
Briony May Smith grew up in Sandhurst in Berkshire, playing in the garden with her younger brother and sister. She studied Illustration at Falmouth University and was Highly Commended for the Macmillan Children’s book prize in 2013 and 2014. She now lives in Devon, where her work day mainly consists of drawing fairies, interrupted only when her dog, Finbar, demands his walk. Briony’s work is inspired by fairy tales and folklore and life in the country.