The Bear and the Piano

One day, a bear cub finds something strange and wonderful in the forest. When he touches the keys, they make a horrible noise. Yet he is drawn back again and again. Eventually, he learns to play beautiful sounds, delighting his woodland friends.           
     Then the bear is invited to share his sounds with new friends in the city. He longs to explore the world beyond his home, and to play bigger and better than before. But he knows that if he leaves, the other bears will be very sad . . .      
     This gorgeously illustrated tale of following one’s dreams reminds us of the value of friendship, wherever we go. |

"Litchfield’s multilayered mixed-media illustrations gracefully portray dappled forest groves, the energy of a packed concert hall, and the simultaneous bustle and solitude of city life. The bear’s emotions—contentment, pride, uncertainty, relief—are captured with equal skill in a tenderly moving story about embracing one’s potential while remembering one’s roots." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This is one of those rare books that children can return to again and again through the years, each time finding new meaning appropriate to their varying ages and stages...Litchfield's poignant debut picture book celebrates both the wonders of wandering far in pursuit of one's dreams and the sweet comfort of returning home." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Litchfield’s debut picture book is a visual feast. Using a variety of different techniques and then digitally assembling them, he has produced a story filled with verdant and luminous images that create an enchanting atmosphere." - School Library Journal

All the Wonders, Best of 2016 Picture Books  Amazon Overall Top 20 Children’s Books of 2016  Amazon, Best Children’s Books of the Year Ages 3 to 5  Kirkus Best of 2016  School Library Journal’s Fuse#8 Best of 2016