The Bearskinner - (Hardcover)

About the Book

Losing everything he has to war, a dejected soldier makes a dangerous pact with the devil, who wraps the soldier in a dead bears skin he must wear. This retelling of the classic Grimm tale is vividly illustrated, depicting the soldiers struggle between the two sides himself. Full color. 9 3/4 11 5/16.

Book Synopsis

"Laura Amy Schlitz is one of the finest storytellers being published today, and she does not disappoint with this magnificent retelling." - Wall Street Journal

Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear's skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, The Bearskinner is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.

Review Quotes

Schlitz narrates with clarity, grace, and sensitivity. . . . A provocative edition that should set older children thinking about the meaning of endurance and heroism.
-- Horn Book (starred review)

An unabashedly old-fashioned retelling, making few concessions to modern sensibilities; as such, it carries a power rarely found in fairy-tale retellings.
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

An accomplished retelling...Schlitz gracefully distills the original text, softens its harsh ending, and emphasizes the message about enduring and overcoming great personal challenges.
- Booklist

Ponderable but never ponderous . . . young readers will find plenty to discuss here.
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Exquisitely adapted from a Grimm tale by Laura Amy Schlitz, and illustrated by Max Grafe, this puts every value you want your kids to have - seriously - into what would be a page-turner if you weren't so inclined to linger over the haunting images.
- Washington Post

Told with lyrical language and evocative sepia-toned paintings, this timeless tale with resonate with readers
- School Library Journal's Curriculum Connections

A tale of choices and finding a way to survive a seemingly impossible challenge.
- Library Media Connection

About the Author

Laura Amy Schlitz is the author of three other books for children: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!; The Hero Schliemann: The Dreamer Who Dug Fortroy; and A Drowned Maiden's Hair, a Cybils Award winner. A librarian and professional storyteller, Laura Amy Schlitz lives in Maryland.

Max Grafe has illustrated several books for children, including Old Coyote by Nancy Wood, The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-Na-Ween by Ruth Sawyer, and Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac. Max Grafe lives in New York.