Megumi and the Bear
Age 3+
Picture Books
A beautiful story about friendship.
Megumi has only one wish. For the bear to come back.
Creators
Irma Gold is an award-winning writer and editor. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and journals like Meanjin, Island, Idiom 23 and Going Down Swinging. Her debut collection of short fiction, Two Steps Forward, was critically acclaimed and won her a Canberra Critics Circle Award for Literature. Irma has lived in England, Melbourne, and is now based in Canberra with her husband and three children. Megumi and the Bear is her first title with Walker Books Australia.
Craig Phillips is a freelance illustrator who currently lives in New Zealand. He has created rock poster art for Queens Of The Stone Age, The Hives, DJ Shadow, Foo Fighters, and Turbonegro, and his work has been included in The Art Of Modern Rock (Chronicle Books); 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide (Luerzers Archive) and A Fistful Of Rock (Darkhorse Books). Megumi and the Bear is his first Walker title.
Reviews
This is a divinely sweet story about friendship and the power of hope. Gold’s text is warmly and beautifully written and Craig Phillip’s illustrations take the book’s heartfelt message to even higher planes with his utterly charming watercoloury renderings.
Kids' Book Review
Craig Phillips’ water colour illustrations are delightful – clear, uncluttered and colourful within a restrained palette… The narrative is well-paced, keeping the story moving while providing time to consider (and feel) what is happening.
Whispering Gums
This whimsical book about fantasy and friendship. A very sweet tale.
All The Buzz About Books
There is a wonderful mix of warmth and pathos, heartache and joy in this delightful book.
Canberra Times
Megumi and the Bear by Canberra author Irma Gold is ‘a divinely sweet story about friendship and the power of hope’, beautifully illustrated by Craig Phillips.
her Canberra (Amanda Whitley)
Irma Gold’s written text is as thoughtful as Craig Phillips’ illustrations.
Magpies
This is a beautiful story about friendship and a child’s longing written with warmth and care and with wonderful illustrations.
New Kids Books in Oz
The themes of belonging and companionship are strong throughout this story, perfect for a family read.
Pets Magazine
This is a divinely sweet story about friendship and the power of hope.
Tania McCartney
