Shy, making friends, using words

Bird is new to the forest, and he’s looking for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance to have a new friend?

When a little bird sees a bear, he longs to make friends and to play, but is too shy to approach his ursine fellow. When the bear finds a balloon, it seems that the bird has lost his opportunity, until the balloon flies away and pops. In the aftermath, the two animals finally meet, and then become friends...

Pairing a simple but heartfelt tale of a shy creature who longs for a friend with beautiful multimedia illustrations, Bird, Balloon, Bear is another successful picture-book from expatriate Korean artist Il Sung Na. Having admired Na's work for a number of years now, since the publication of his A Book of Sleep, I was happy to come across this recent picture-book. I always enjoy the colors and composition of Na's illustrations, and this was no exception. Recommended to fellow fans of the artist, and to anyone seeking picture-books about feeling shy and/or making friends. ( )

This book is about an unlikely friendship between a bear and a balloon. The bird wants to be friends with the bear too. One day there is a bad storm and the balloon blows away so the bird comforts the bear. They become friends.

Bird is new to the forest and wants a friend, but Bear already has a friend - a red balloon. But when the balloon is carried away by the wind, Bird tries to chase it down. The balloon pops, but that gives Bear and Bird the chance to make friends. ( )