Overview and Outcomes:

In this three-week Writing Root for The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield, children arrive to class to discover an advert and, after being given tickets, attend a ‘concert’ of piano music. They then write statements as predictions before going on to use contracted verbs to write letters of advice. After drawing on the author’s use of language to create noun phrases, they write a short news report before briefly bouncing out into a non-fiction piece where they research their chosen member of an ‘Animal Orchestra’. This new character becomes the main protagonist in an own version narrative.

Synopsis of Text:

One day, a young bear stumbles upon something he has never seen before in the forest. As time passes, he teaches himself how to play the strange instrument, and eventually the beautiful sounds are heard by a father and son who are picnicking in the woods. The bear goes with them on an incredible journey to New York, where his piano playing makes him a huge star. He has fame, fortune and all the music in the world, but he misses the friends and family he has left behind. A moving tale of exploration and belonging from an exciting debut author-illustrator.

Text Rationale:

A magical tale of a talented bear who discovers fame and fortune through his piano playing skills. This text explores themes such as belonging, exploration and overcoming fears. It can encourage healthy discussions with children around what is important in life. This text is also part of a fun trilogy which follows the ups and downs of Bear’s life. Award-winning David Litchfield is a significant author-illustrator. 

Links and themes:

Music, orchestras, instruments, piano, bears, New York, wildlife, belong, exploration, friendship and family

Date written: April 2017, Updated: July 2025