Bear Came Along by Richard Morris, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction

Bear Came Along is a 2019 book by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. It tells the story of a group of animals on a river adventure. Published June 1, 2019, Bear Came Along is based on Morris memories of his first overnight camping trip. Phams illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache were unique to her. Critics wrote of her ability to juggle images with several different tones. These illustrations were also generally seen as complementary to the books theme of other people. The book received generally good reviews and won the 2020 Caldecott Award.

Discussion

Author Richard T. Morris said the bears character is based on his first overnight camping trip. In an interview, illustrator LeWen Pham said she knew what the finished book would look like immediately after reading the manuscript and happily accepted the order. She created the final pages first, with the first pages in black and white and the rest in color, which helped her understand the books universe (Morris & Pham, 2019). Pham felt that the book came out at a time when the United States was divided and allowed her to tell the story of unity. In addition, an audiobook by Joshua Manning was released that used sound effects and a soundtrack to convey the journey.

Pham loved the limited text and thought the story was so unexpected for Morris. The book features watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations that Julie Danielson painted for Horn Book, compared to the cartoons from the 1980s. Phams goal was to engage the reader through the contrast of black and white and color illustrations. In an interview with the publisher, she described the book as unique in her 20-year career. The book is like the effect of an author growing a tree in a garden and not allowing any of the leaves to grow on it. Without the power of that tree, nothing could have held on to it (Morris & Pham, 2019). Readers see a text saturated not only with action but also with reflection. Morris repeated use of the word before advances the plot and provides a structure for the illustrations.

The perspectives of the illustration enhance both the dramatic and humorous elements of the adventure. Critics specifically wrote about the climactic waterfall sequence in the book, viewed from the animals first-person perspective. They noted that Phams use of colors from dull gray to bright hues complements the books theme of friendship and the importance of connections and relationships with others. There is a depth to the message that permeates even the youngest readers, everyone walks together, and their shared differences reinforce their unity. Some critics praised Phams use of character expression. Wilson noted that she excels at body language and facial expressions.

Several design elements also contribute to the book. The cover illustration, which omits the author and illustrators names, sets up a further adventure. The forest depicted on the last pages has been drawn to resemble a map of the United States. The first pages show animals living their separate lives, and the back of the book serves as an epilogue. Critics also praised the layout of the illustrations, including Phams effective use of spreads and panels on two pages.

Conclusion

The large-scale, captivating images appeal widely to readers. The illustrations are a strength of the book and make this book a great read-aloud choice. The book won the 2020 Caldecott Award with a quote noting how the river comes alive through Phams energetic lines, gradual increase in brightness and unexpected page-turning, forming a raucous adventure and connecting connections. Pham said she was validated by receiving this award, which was an unexpected feeling for her.