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The Story of Solomon Bear
A girl and her teddy bear share a promise to keep love alive in a home where it’s been all but forgotten. When they are forced apart one day, Solomon Bear is determined to find her at any cost!
In the tradition of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Prince comes Solomon Bear. At once a children's romance and a fable about rediscovering innocence and unconditional love, this sentimental tale has the capacity to transcend genre and age boundaries. For while a taste for porridge, marmalade, or honey might make a bear more human, Solomon would remind us: it is love that brings us all to life.
This story is approximately 9000 words long (or 50 printed pages). Black and white illustrations. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
In the tradition of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Prince comes Solomon Bear. At once a children's romance and a fable about rediscovering innocence and unconditional love, this sentimental tale has the capacity to transcend genre and age boundaries. For while a taste for porridge, marmalade, or honey might make a bear more human, Solomon would remind us: it is love that brings us all to life.
This story is approximately 9000 words long (or 50 printed pages). Black and white illustrations. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
92 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 30, 2013
The Story of Solomon Bear brought back many childhood memories for me. I felt the story envelope me like a warm, fuzzy blanket, and I was immediately lost in it's lyrical narrative. For anyone who has ever read the tale of The Velveteen Rabbit, you will once again find yourself being transported back to a time of tender innocence and unconditional love in this story as well.
The writing style of this book reminds me of that of The Little Prince in that it is a simple, child-like tale conveyed in a more sophisticated vocabulary than that of the normal children's story. The tale is quite poignant, and I found myself getting a little choked up at times as I was reading. The Story of Solomon Bear is about the unconditional love between a little girl and her bear. It shows us how in a home that does not offer either love or joy, this little girl finds solace in her bond with her stuffed toy.
At one point, the girl's stepmother decides that the girl is spending too much time with her "lifeless toy" and takes Solomon away from her. The little girl runs into the forest and does not return for a long while. Solomon is lost without his "Princess" and will do anything to get her back, so he goes to the other toys for advice. The bear's quest for the return of his beloved little girl is a story that should be shared with young and old alike.
Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. You won't regret it, and if you're like me, you will want a hard-copy to place on the shelf right next to your cherished copies of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Prince.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review.
The writing style of this book reminds me of that of The Little Prince in that it is a simple, child-like tale conveyed in a more sophisticated vocabulary than that of the normal children's story. The tale is quite poignant, and I found myself getting a little choked up at times as I was reading. The Story of Solomon Bear is about the unconditional love between a little girl and her bear. It shows us how in a home that does not offer either love or joy, this little girl finds solace in her bond with her stuffed toy.
At one point, the girl's stepmother decides that the girl is spending too much time with her "lifeless toy" and takes Solomon away from her. The little girl runs into the forest and does not return for a long while. Solomon is lost without his "Princess" and will do anything to get her back, so he goes to the other toys for advice. The bear's quest for the return of his beloved little girl is a story that should be shared with young and old alike.
Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. You won't regret it, and if you're like me, you will want a hard-copy to place on the shelf right next to your cherished copies of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Prince.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review.
January 3, 2015
Oh Solomon Bear...
A story that reads like a classic of old. I found myself increasingly happy to read it at each bedtime encounter. So much so that I would often continue reading it for a few pages after my grandson fell to sleep. Simply a lovely read...
A story that reads like a classic of old. I found myself increasingly happy to read it at each bedtime encounter. So much so that I would often continue reading it for a few pages after my grandson fell to sleep. Simply a lovely read...
January 2, 2014
For anyone young or old, who has (or had) a lovable teddy bear, Phillip Laird has written a beautiful and charming story about the special relationship between a stuffed bear and his friend, a young girl. They share a special loving relationship despite the lack of love in their household. They dance, snuggle, and play games together. The little girl is his Princess and he is her Solomon Bear.
But when the little girl runs away, Solomon questions their bond and tries to figure out if the love they share is worth saving. After some advice given to him by the moon, Solomon learns about courage, beauty, love, and strength from other toys before finally venturing "outside" to search for his Princess.
At about 50 pages with no illustrations, there are some really beautiful passages in Mr. Laird's writing. In fact, it's very poetic and I found myself rereading some of them out loud and imagining how wonderful they'd probably sound to a young audience at story or bedtime. Here are a few of my favorites.
One from the very beginning of the story:
"There was once a House that stood alone, on the edge of a vast and magical forest. And in this House so very far from all the others, there lied a lonely family, one that had almost quite forgotten the magic of loving. Why, in this House, even the toys themselves were falling under the spell of the Forgetting. There were but two who held to their promise never to forget the magic: a Girl and her Teddy Bear."
And another from later in the first chapter:
"When so many new toys needed batteries, cables, or winding up to keep them going, for Solomon Bear, just the Girl's hugs remained enough. All he knew was that when she held him, thee was nowhere else he would rather be. All uncertainty about who he was would melt away, and everything would become bright and clear and beautiful again for him, when he remembered that loving her was his greatest reason for being."
At times some of the writing is very dreamy and over romanticized, oozing with hugs and love. But afterall, what is a teddy bear for, right? Kids will certainly enjoy the fantasy and pretend, the valuable life lessons, and the love that can be found in The Story of Solomon Bear.
But when the little girl runs away, Solomon questions their bond and tries to figure out if the love they share is worth saving. After some advice given to him by the moon, Solomon learns about courage, beauty, love, and strength from other toys before finally venturing "outside" to search for his Princess.
At about 50 pages with no illustrations, there are some really beautiful passages in Mr. Laird's writing. In fact, it's very poetic and I found myself rereading some of them out loud and imagining how wonderful they'd probably sound to a young audience at story or bedtime. Here are a few of my favorites.
One from the very beginning of the story:
"There was once a House that stood alone, on the edge of a vast and magical forest. And in this House so very far from all the others, there lied a lonely family, one that had almost quite forgotten the magic of loving. Why, in this House, even the toys themselves were falling under the spell of the Forgetting. There were but two who held to their promise never to forget the magic: a Girl and her Teddy Bear."
And another from later in the first chapter:
"When so many new toys needed batteries, cables, or winding up to keep them going, for Solomon Bear, just the Girl's hugs remained enough. All he knew was that when she held him, thee was nowhere else he would rather be. All uncertainty about who he was would melt away, and everything would become bright and clear and beautiful again for him, when he remembered that loving her was his greatest reason for being."
At times some of the writing is very dreamy and over romanticized, oozing with hugs and love. But afterall, what is a teddy bear for, right? Kids will certainly enjoy the fantasy and pretend, the valuable life lessons, and the love that can be found in The Story of Solomon Bear.
January 13, 2014
Solomon Bear is the adored teddy bear of an unnamed young girl growing up in a house where she is neither loved nor wanted. The bear and the child are devoted to each other in this warm, feel-good story for children. The little girl is never allowed ‘outside’ and she and Solomon spend hours together playing hide-and-seek, dancing, and expressing their deep, never-to-end love for each other. Then, sadly, the cold-hearted step-mother makes a decision; the little girl has grown too old for such nonsense and the bear has to go. What worse fate for a young child than to be threatened with the loss of something she loves so much.
The distraught little girl runs away and Solomon is left alone. His last glimpse of his dearest friend, his kindred soul, sees her running towards the forbidding forest. When she doesn't return, his heart is broken and he begins to ask himself if their love was as real and as lasting, and as unforgettable as they had both said it would be. Eventually, unable to bear (please forgive the pun) her loss any longer, Solomon seeks the advice of the other toys, toys he has never mixed with before, to find a way to leave the house and go in search of his beloved companion.
Phillip Laird’s The Story of Solomon Bear is a beautifully, poetically written tale about the strength of an innocent, enduring love and a bond which cannot be broken. In parts it may be a little too gushy for some, but it is still undoubtedly a wonderful read, which I think which will become a classic one day. Claudia Gadotti’s illustrations, in black and white, are simply gorgeous, too.
Whatever your age, if you have ever loved a teddy bear, you will be enthralled by this emotive book. It is a total delight to read, either quietly or out loud. There are a few good lessons in there, too. I highly recommend this story and am giving it five solid stars.
This review is also published at Mungai and the Goa Constrictor http://wp.me/p2Mid5-2oW
The distraught little girl runs away and Solomon is left alone. His last glimpse of his dearest friend, his kindred soul, sees her running towards the forbidding forest. When she doesn't return, his heart is broken and he begins to ask himself if their love was as real and as lasting, and as unforgettable as they had both said it would be. Eventually, unable to bear (please forgive the pun) her loss any longer, Solomon seeks the advice of the other toys, toys he has never mixed with before, to find a way to leave the house and go in search of his beloved companion.
Phillip Laird’s The Story of Solomon Bear is a beautifully, poetically written tale about the strength of an innocent, enduring love and a bond which cannot be broken. In parts it may be a little too gushy for some, but it is still undoubtedly a wonderful read, which I think which will become a classic one day. Claudia Gadotti’s illustrations, in black and white, are simply gorgeous, too.
Whatever your age, if you have ever loved a teddy bear, you will be enthralled by this emotive book. It is a total delight to read, either quietly or out loud. There are a few good lessons in there, too. I highly recommend this story and am giving it five solid stars.
This review is also published at Mungai and the Goa Constrictor http://wp.me/p2Mid5-2oW
September 10, 2011
On the edge of a magical forest sits a lonely house that is under a spell. A spell of forgetting. All who dwell within this house have fallen under its spell, all that is but one girl and her teddy bear, Solomon. While the others living in the house have forgotten kindness, happiness and most importantly the power of love, one girl and her bear have promised to keep love alive.
The others living in the house pay little attention the girl and Solomon. Although left alone the girl is never lonely, not like the others, for the girl and Solomon are bound by an unbreakable bond of unconditional love. But when the worse happens and the girl leaves the house, something that no one must ever do for it is far too dangerous, Solomon is left alone to find a way to bring home the girl he loves.
The Story Of Solomon Bear is a short romantic fable of the courage of one special bear and his ability to love. The greater complexities of love, belonging and friendship are explored through the tender and heartfelt relationship of a girl and her bear. Although the in-depth look at these themes may be a little over the heads of smaller children, they and adults alike will enjoy reading this tale over and over, each time taking away something more and something precious.
The others living in the house pay little attention the girl and Solomon. Although left alone the girl is never lonely, not like the others, for the girl and Solomon are bound by an unbreakable bond of unconditional love. But when the worse happens and the girl leaves the house, something that no one must ever do for it is far too dangerous, Solomon is left alone to find a way to bring home the girl he loves.
The Story Of Solomon Bear is a short romantic fable of the courage of one special bear and his ability to love. The greater complexities of love, belonging and friendship are explored through the tender and heartfelt relationship of a girl and her bear. Although the in-depth look at these themes may be a little over the heads of smaller children, they and adults alike will enjoy reading this tale over and over, each time taking away something more and something precious.
November 6, 2011
Description:
Solomon Bear is the beloved toy and best friend of a little girl growing up in home devoid of love and happiness. So when the pair is split up, Solomon Bear will stop at nothing to find her. Along the way, Solomon bear meets other toys that show him that he has all the tools he needs to find her, leading him to places he's never imagined, and hopefully, into the arms of his lost little girl.
Review:
The Velveteen Rabbit is one of my favorite childhood stories, and The Story of Solomon Bear parallels it. I found the poetic writing style of Phillip Laird to be very beautiful and well-written. His verses are enjoyed and understood by both children and adults, and even though there aren't many characters, the ones that you get to know are well developed and realistic. The content is emotional and touching, with a bit of humor to lighten the mood, and the descriptiveness is vivid. I only wish there were a few illustrations. I recommend this book for children of all ages, and the adults who read to them.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
***I received this eBook from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Solomon Bear is the beloved toy and best friend of a little girl growing up in home devoid of love and happiness. So when the pair is split up, Solomon Bear will stop at nothing to find her. Along the way, Solomon bear meets other toys that show him that he has all the tools he needs to find her, leading him to places he's never imagined, and hopefully, into the arms of his lost little girl.
Review:
The Velveteen Rabbit is one of my favorite childhood stories, and The Story of Solomon Bear parallels it. I found the poetic writing style of Phillip Laird to be very beautiful and well-written. His verses are enjoyed and understood by both children and adults, and even though there aren't many characters, the ones that you get to know are well developed and realistic. The content is emotional and touching, with a bit of humor to lighten the mood, and the descriptiveness is vivid. I only wish there were a few illustrations. I recommend this book for children of all ages, and the adults who read to them.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
***I received this eBook from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
August 31, 2013
Phillip Laird does something different with his children's story, he makes it dark. I was not expecting the depth of society to be written in a children's book but it worked. I thought it was provocative (in a great way) that he would venture so far from the norm while remaining true to many conventions.
Definitely worth reading if you want something different yet familiar to read to your child.
Definitely worth reading if you want something different yet familiar to read to your child.
October 26, 2019
This story is amazing. I’ve read it individually to each of my children and the last time I read it I was in tears. Literally, I was crying as I read it. To me, it hit me deep as an expression of how true love is. The authors use of his words cut deep. Personally, I’ve never fallen in love with a story as I have with this one.
August 30, 2013
Absolutely beautiful, read it the day after my mothers funeral, needed to read something wonderful and this was it
September 4, 2011
This is a story of the unconditional love between a girl and her teddy bear. "The Story of Solomon Bear", by Phillip Laird, is a poignant children's story about an unloved little girl who found acceptance and love from her beloved bear. Solomon Bear displays boldness and courage when he is separated from the girl and seeks to find her with all his heart. He receives help from some unexpected places but his quest is not an easy one. This ebook will touch the hearts of both children and adults.
We don't know the Girl's name. All we know is that her lonely family has almost forgotten the magic of loving. The Girl named her special stuffed toy "Solomon Bear" and they have been together as long as anyone can remember. Solomon is the Girl's closet companion. Girl and Bear promise each other that they will always keep their love alive. This beautiful passage illustrates how Solomon feels about the Girl;
"All he knew was that when she held him, there was nowhere else he would rather be. All uncertainty about who he was would melt away, and everything would become bright and clear and beautiful again for him, when he remembered that loving her was his greatest reason for being."
Unfortunately, the Girl's stepmother decides that the teddy bear must go. The Girl is too old to be spending so much time with a "lifeless toy". The Girl vehemently protests and goes running out the door into the forest. She does not come back for a very long time. Solomon grieves the Girl's absence and even questions his own ability to love. He wonders if he really is just a "lifeless toy"? He soon determines that he MUST plan a way to find the Girl.
He receives advice from the other toys to help him in his quest. He learns that he has all the qualities and inner resources that he needs to go out into the world and search for his missing loved one. His determination grows stronger with each toy that he talks to. He learns to believe in himself and the power of love. Solomon never gives up hope until he is back in the arms of the Girl he loves.
This is a beautiful story about the bond between a child and a toy. It is written in the tradition of "The Velveteen Rabbit" and "The Little Prince". The story is approximately 9000 words long (50 pages) and is recommended for ages five and up. The ebook is not illustrated with pictures but it is illustrated with poetic words and prose.
I found this story very touching and tender. It is about the power of love and everything that goes with it. We learn that love is not easy and difficulties are sure to come. Love is what life is all about. Love never ends.
I recommend this book to children of all ages. It reminds me that a child's love is so very special. This book holds valuable lessons for all of us.
We don't know the Girl's name. All we know is that her lonely family has almost forgotten the magic of loving. The Girl named her special stuffed toy "Solomon Bear" and they have been together as long as anyone can remember. Solomon is the Girl's closet companion. Girl and Bear promise each other that they will always keep their love alive. This beautiful passage illustrates how Solomon feels about the Girl;
"All he knew was that when she held him, there was nowhere else he would rather be. All uncertainty about who he was would melt away, and everything would become bright and clear and beautiful again for him, when he remembered that loving her was his greatest reason for being."
Unfortunately, the Girl's stepmother decides that the teddy bear must go. The Girl is too old to be spending so much time with a "lifeless toy". The Girl vehemently protests and goes running out the door into the forest. She does not come back for a very long time. Solomon grieves the Girl's absence and even questions his own ability to love. He wonders if he really is just a "lifeless toy"? He soon determines that he MUST plan a way to find the Girl.
He receives advice from the other toys to help him in his quest. He learns that he has all the qualities and inner resources that he needs to go out into the world and search for his missing loved one. His determination grows stronger with each toy that he talks to. He learns to believe in himself and the power of love. Solomon never gives up hope until he is back in the arms of the Girl he loves.
This is a beautiful story about the bond between a child and a toy. It is written in the tradition of "The Velveteen Rabbit" and "The Little Prince". The story is approximately 9000 words long (50 pages) and is recommended for ages five and up. The ebook is not illustrated with pictures but it is illustrated with poetic words and prose.
I found this story very touching and tender. It is about the power of love and everything that goes with it. We learn that love is not easy and difficulties are sure to come. Love is what life is all about. Love never ends.
I recommend this book to children of all ages. It reminds me that a child's love is so very special. This book holds valuable lessons for all of us.
October 26, 2013
I received this from Library Thing to read and review. The Story of Solomon Bear is a tale for children of all ages. Solomon and the Girl are fast friends, bound by their love for each other, although her step-family doesn’t really understand. One day, she runs off, and Solomon, loving friend that he is, begins a long search for the Girl. He asks all the other toys but does not receive the right answer anywhere. Finally, he goes off after the Girl, searching the forest behind the house for her. The story takes the reader through a fable of what love means and how it relates to our everyday lives. As I said, the story will delight children of all ages from the toddler through the senior citizen looking for a new, refreshing tale of love and friendship—or just a new, refreshing tale. Some have compared it to other children’s classics, but I am not sure it is a just comparison. I think these stories stand out as good examples of the endearing and lasting power of love and friendship, but different stories. Still, both have the same fairy-tale element about them. I think all readers, regardless of age will enjoy this short, sweet tale.
August 26, 2011
Its cute short story in the style is of the velveteen rabit. Its about the power of love.
The girl and Solomon Bear loved each other. There was not a lot of love in their house. the girl and solomon played hide and seek,danced and told each other they were loved. Special occasions she got to even have Solomon at the dinner table, even though the bear does not eat around people.
The girl's step family thought she was too old for Solomon and tried to take her away from him but she run back to Solomon and they took the girl again and she got outside the house and into the woods.
Solomon waited for her to come back but she did not so he ended up asking the others about the girl because he loved her and wanted to hug her. Even though he was asking for help he was the one teaching the other toys.
As a mother of a daughter who loves a bunny still takes him to college. I really thought it was a cute story. I was given this ebook in exchange for review.
The girl and Solomon Bear loved each other. There was not a lot of love in their house. the girl and solomon played hide and seek,danced and told each other they were loved. Special occasions she got to even have Solomon at the dinner table, even though the bear does not eat around people.
The girl's step family thought she was too old for Solomon and tried to take her away from him but she run back to Solomon and they took the girl again and she got outside the house and into the woods.
Solomon waited for her to come back but she did not so he ended up asking the others about the girl because he loved her and wanted to hug her. Even though he was asking for help he was the one teaching the other toys.
As a mother of a daughter who loves a bunny still takes him to college. I really thought it was a cute story. I was given this ebook in exchange for review.
March 6, 2014
Summary: A girl and her teddy bear share a promise to keep love alive in a home where it’s been all but forgotten. When they are forced apart one day, Solomon Bear is determined to find her at any cost.
Opening: There was once a House that stood alone, on the edge of a vast and magical forest. And in this House so very far from all the others, there lived a lonely family, one that had almost quite forgot
ten the magic of loving. Why, in this House, even the toys themselves were falling under the spell of the Forgetting. There were but two who held to their promise never to forget the magic: a Girl and her Teddy Bear.
I shall rate this as Esther does for Squirt:
2* schmaltzy story
5* artwork
This wouldn't be one I would read to my grandchildren, though I would show them the illustrations.
It is only with the heartAntoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
that one can see rightly;
what is essential
is invisible to the eye.
Opening: There was once a House that stood alone, on the edge of a vast and magical forest. And in this House so very far from all the others, there lived a lonely family, one that had almost quite forgot
ten the magic of loving. Why, in this House, even the toys themselves were falling under the spell of the Forgetting. There were but two who held to their promise never to forget the magic: a Girl and her Teddy Bear.
I shall rate this as Esther does for Squirt:
2* schmaltzy story
5* artwork
This wouldn't be one I would read to my grandchildren, though I would show them the illustrations.
November 5, 2011
A girl and her teddy bear share a promise to keep love alive in a home where it’s been all but forgotten. When they are forced apart one day, Solomon Bear is determined to find her at any cost!
This book is about a stuffed bear trying to find his way back to his “princess”. I found this book to be a cute tale about the trials and perils of love.
I’m not sure what age group this book is meant to be for. I feel some of the bear’s dialogue was a bit mature for young readers, but at the same time would be a bit childish for older readers.
Overall I found the Story of Solomon Bear to be a cute, short, easy read.
This book is about a stuffed bear trying to find his way back to his “princess”. I found this book to be a cute tale about the trials and perils of love.
I’m not sure what age group this book is meant to be for. I feel some of the bear’s dialogue was a bit mature for young readers, but at the same time would be a bit childish for older readers.
Overall I found the Story of Solomon Bear to be a cute, short, easy read.
January 22, 2014
Artwork: 4 stars
I received a free copy to review.
I can't really judge this a children's book since I'm an adult. I'm not really sure how old a child should be to understand the metaphors. I also think the phrasing in places is a bit weird and confusing. But I did like the story. It is about a family and a world of toys that has forgotten what love is. Reading the book I think I have also forgotten what love is. I don't know if I was in a weird place or it was only the book, but it did made me cry. For a moment I went trough a pain that I only children can experience very strongly - betrayal and loss.
I received a free copy to review.
I can't really judge this a children's book since I'm an adult. I'm not really sure how old a child should be to understand the metaphors. I also think the phrasing in places is a bit weird and confusing. But I did like the story. It is about a family and a world of toys that has forgotten what love is. Reading the book I think I have also forgotten what love is. I don't know if I was in a weird place or it was only the book, but it did made me cry. For a moment I went trough a pain that I only children can experience very strongly - betrayal and loss.
June 10, 2014
A lovely story about the love between a little girl and her teddy bear. The little girl lives in a house that is void of love, caring for one another, kindness, etc. The only one the little girl can count on is her teddy bear. She is forced to give up her bear and she refuses and runs away into the near by woods. The bear seeks out the help of the other toys in the house to help him get out of the house to find the girl.
For anyone who has ever had a favorite teddy bear, or who has a child that does, this story connects to the beauty of a child's love and innocence.
I received this book in exchanged for an honest review.
For anyone who has ever had a favorite teddy bear, or who has a child that does, this story connects to the beauty of a child's love and innocence.
I received this book in exchanged for an honest review.
December 13, 2011
A beautiful book that is sure to become a firm favourite of children and adults alike.
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http://wp.me/p20PAS-5C
November 15, 2013
I love reading books of teddy bears as I have been collecting them ever since I was 3 when I got my 1st one. I know have over 200 of them and I have gave quite a bit of them away.
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