If you have adopted a child from Russia, you may become teary-eyed when you read this book.
It's about Nikolai, the only bear at the Novosibirsk Children's Home # 1. Yes, believe it or not, there is a bear at the orphanage who lives among the children and hopes that he will be adopted one day, too. But so far the other children come and go but no one wants to adopt Nikolai. He is kind of furry and he growls when he speaks, and he claws the air when he plays... But the day will come, when a fur-faced man and a smooth-faced woman arrive to visit from America. Surprisingly, they enjoy growling with Nikolai and playing with him, holding his paws and singing songs that make him feel soft-bearish! And when it's time for them to go home, they take Nikolai with them!
Written by Barbara Joosse (whose friend adopted a boy from Russia). Charmingly illustrated by Polish-Canadian artist Renata Liwska. This is a touching adoption fable in a picturebook format that some of you may want to read to your child.
In English language. Publisher: Philomel Books. Large format. 32 pages.
