Deep in the heart of the forest, the bear and the snail live side by side, sharing the same trees, the same views, and the same love of life – but never at the same time. While one sleeps through winter’s cold, the other rests during summer’s heat. Seasons apart, their paths never cross, yet their quiet gestures of kindness leave a trail of connection.
The Bear and The Snail is a tender tale about friendship, longing, generosity, and the quiet beauty of waiting for someone you care for. Perfect for young readers, this enchanting story reminds us that even when we’re apart, the bonds we share can warm even the coldest nights.
April 2025 | 46 pp. | Age 3-6 | English translation available | Rights sold: German, Hebrew
“The ‘behind the scenes’ of friendship is usually hidden from children – the longing for a friend, the feeling of loneliness in their absence, the thoughts about how to translate emotion into an offer of friendship or closeness, how to bring joy to another. These are the themes present in this story, which is a rare gem. The ending is a celebration of thought, and a good story is one that continues to resonate in the child’s (and our) consciousness. Perfect for ages 3 to 120.” ~ Prof. Shay Rudin, Kreat Hova (A Must-Read), recommended children’s literature website
“The text is short and vowelized, accompanied by sweet and colorful illustrations that effectively convey the story, evoking a sense of nature and the changing seasons, and managing to anthropomorphize the animals in a heartwarming way. This is a gentle and sweet book that explains concepts from the natural world – like winter hibernation and summer dormancy – in an experiential and tangible way. It also offers an important lesson in curiosity and goodwill.” ~ Ella, book reviewer, Olam HaSfarim (The World of Books) website
“The breathtaking illustrations fill the forest with magic, showcasing its beauty in both winter and summer, and complete a story that reveals how a love for nature and a true connection can exist – even without words.” ~ Roni Langerman-Ziv, Atmosphera Magazine
Shahar Kober is an international illustrator and art director who has won numerous awards. His works has been published in the US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, South Korea and Israel. Clients include: Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Usborne, Egmont, Little sTiger Press. Selected awards: Communication Arts Illustration Award of Excellence, 3×3 Magazine Book Show Merit Award, Sydney Taylor Honor Award, iJungle Merit award.