Today I review a book that is a little different to my normal fare. Sent to me all the way from Australia, although available to buy in the UK, It’s A Bright World To Feel Lost In is a 50 page picture book suitable for anyone who sometimes feels confused and lonely in our beautiful world.
Narrated by a sleuth of teddy bears, led by the fluffy author, Mawson, it ponders how one’s importance to a special Some One can change over time. It accepts the pain of loss, makes suggestions about how to cope, and offers hope for future happiness.
The opening premise is that everyone wants to be loved and to have their love appreciated. There is still so much love on offer in our big, bright world.
The problem can be finding that special Some One when the world is so big. We can be primed and ready to give but still have to wait, and time passes slowly when waiting.
The bears remember days of fun and adventure when they explored and played with their Some One, before that Some One chose to go out into the wider world without them.
They ponder how hard it is to keep playing the games that had been such fun, and the difficulty of caring for a Some One who isn’t there.
The bears do their best to occupy themselves but life is so much better when their Some One returns.
The story explores the possibility that one day this won’t happen, that their Some One will be gone, and life must still go on.
The context, of course, is wider than a lonely teddy bear. The story progression offers a reminder to make the most of Some One’s company, be they family, friend or partner, to enjoy each day for what it is. Mawson and his furry friends appreciate the happy days and are perplexed when they end.
If Some One goes, although it will hurt, there is the possibility of one day being found by Some One else. Until that time there are games to be played, even if they aren’t quite as enjoyable as before.
The book could offer solace for anyone in need of company for their adventures, a child who has been let down or an adult who has been left behind or lost a loved one.
The reasons for change may be baffling, but ultimately there is hope.
I admit that I have a soft spot for teddy bears. This little story made me well up, made me want to hug every one of the bears in my (ahem) extensive collection. It also made me appreciate the humans who join me on my adventures. It is a lovely, poignant story with delightful illustrations. It would make a thoughtful gift, including for yourself.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the furry author’s Some One.
My own little bears enjoyed reading it too.
neverimitate 