Edwina Wyatt (text) and Evie Barrow (illustrator), Cub and Brown, Walker Books Australia, August 2023, 156 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk) ISBN 9781760654641
Cub is a young lad who loves exploring the great outdoors and therefore, as a cub scout, he makes sure to be prepared for whatever may present itself to him while he is out in the wild. However, Cub does have one problem of which he feels unprepared. He is not at all sure about bears so, when he meets Brown who is a particularly friendly type of bear, Cub opens his heart to his new friend and so many shared surprises ahead.
Cub and Brown is a warm-hearted story of friendship and trust. Cub is keen to learn about the outdoors where naturally, Brown is an expert; it is his home, after all. However, as problems arise during their adventures, Cub and Brown put their heads together. They calmly use their combined knowledge to negotiate, analyse and discuss the situation toward a resolution that is always most satisfactory—and even a little surprising at times.
Wyatt has created two delightful characters who demonstrate that, without fuss or conflict, solutions can always be found if good spirits and honest communication are at the fore. The text is easy to read out loud to the very young, and a perfect reader for early readers around 7+ years. The vocabulary is very accessible and, although the sentence structure can seem a little unusual on some occasions, this does not deflect from the joy of this charming story.
Illustrator Barrow has rendered the drawings in open-sketch-quality charcoal, retaining the simplicity of black and white imagery. Colour is not needed here. The endearing quality of the characters portrayed with childlike innocence creates their cleverly crafted presence and brings them directly into our hearts.
Innocence, respect and understanding form the basis of the unique and wonderful friendship that is Cub and Brown. Who knew a story about problem solving could bring a smile at every page? Treat yourself—read this beautiful book, buy it for your home library, borrow it from your school library or give it as a gift. Cub and Brown is to be treasured.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
