Description: "When dancers have a photoshoot at the Central Park Zoo, a young, African American ballerina and a polar bear form a special friendship. When his new friend leaves her scarf behind, the polar bear must venture through Central Park and out into Manhattan to return it before her performance at the Lincoln Center. However, the theater goers eye the strange bear with suspicion. When the ushers won't let him inside, the ballerina comes to his rescue and welcomes him in. The polar bear has dreamed of seeing the ballet, and now he gets to be a part of it in the most surprising way."--Provided by publisher.
Review Quotes: A lushly rendered wordless picture book from Velasquez (Outspoken). . . . Thickly stroked art invokes a strong sense of place, employing instantly recognizable landmarks alongside comically melodramatic bystanders.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Velasquez skillfully depicts expressive characters, recognizable scenery, and a cohesive dreamy plot with his iconic oil paintings. . . . Both language editions are accessible for readers interested in image-centered picture books. This extraordinary wordless book features expressive illustrations that depict a unique friendship. A great addition to English- and Spanish-language picture book collections.
--School Library Journal (starred review) In this heartwarming wordless adventure, Eric Velasquez's oil paintings--which contain only four colors--establish a certain perennial atmosphere. . . . it allows young readers to invent their own details and backstories, andperhaps dream up scenarios involving their own furry friends.
--BookPage (starred review) Conveying meaning and emotion without words is often the realm of the performing arts, but this wordless picture book conveys a beautiful friendship between a young ballerina and a polar bear. . . . A gorgeous, magically realistic tale, much like a ballet itself.
--Booklist