THE BEAR, THE PIANO, THE DOG, AND THE FIDDLE by David Litchfield. New York: Clarion Books, 2018.  32p.  ISBN 978-1328-595898 hc. $17.99    Gr. K-3    E PIC

Litchfield continues the story of THE BEAR AND THE PIANO with the same artistic flair evident in the rich colors and use of light and shadow in every two-page illustration.  The theme of "follow your dreams" is also found in both stories.  In the first book, Bear found a piano and honed his musical skill with his forest friends until he was ready to perform for audiences all over the world.  In this second book, Bear is still performing - claiming the listeners of Hector and his fiddle.  Hector decides to give up playing publicly and settles into a life at home....until he realizes that his dog, Hugo, has learned to play the violin and is delighting the neighbors with musical performances.  Bear also hears about Hugo's enthusiastic fiddle playing and invites him to join the show.  This reversal of roles between Hector and Hugo puts a strain on their friendship, as happens in almost all friendships over time.  Readers will want to follow the good example put forth by Hector, Hugo, and Bear in this heartwarming ending.  Although this book could be considered a sequel, both of these beautiful books are good reading on their own.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI