Merry Bear Band with David Litchfield

Acclaimed author-illustrator David Litchfield and his Bear Band are on a 10th anniversary concert tour! David will share a special edition of his bestselling The Bear and the Piano accompanied by live music from his Merry Band of Bears. After this special story-time, stick around as David will read from his new book, My Friend, Billy Whiskers, showing children how to draw Billy, with his big mane. Everyone will have a chance to create their own Billy with card lion masks – what colours and patterns will they choose?

Billy Whiskers book: Some friends are real, some are imaginary, but all can help us find our voice. My Friend, Billy Whiskers is a charming celebration of friendship, bravery, and the little push we sometimes need to step into something new. On a snowy day, while the other children play together, Patrick sits alone, but he isn’t really alone. His imaginary friend, Billy Whiskers, is always there, ready for bike rides, tree climbs, and magical adventures where Patrick’s worries can just disappear. But on this special snow day, with the help of Billy Whiskers, Patrick finds the courage to take a new adventure and say hello to real life children playing in the real life playground. Can you guess what happens next? This heart-warming and uplifting picture book from award-winning author-illustrator David Litchfield celebrates the magic of imaginary friendship, the power of empathy, and the friends who help us grow.

The Bear and The Piano book: A special 10th anniversary edition of the award-winning and best-selling, The Bear and the Piano featuring exclusive bonus content, a pull-out poster and a shiny gold roundel on the cover. A moving tale of exploration and belonging from critically acclaimed author David Litchfield. 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 child 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. Celebrate 10 years of a modern classic with this exclusive anniversary edition that includes a letter from the author, development sketches and a poster to pull out and keep.

AUTHOR BIO

DAVID LITCHFIELD is an illustrator from Bedfordshire in the UK, represented by The Bright Agency. David first started to draw when he was very young, creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones 'mash-up' comics for his older brother and sister. He is the creator of the award-winning, best-selling ‘The Bear and the Piano’ trilogy, as well as numerous other picture books. His first picture book The Bear and the Piano, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize (Illustrated Book Category) and became a best-seller in the UK and US. It has sold in over 25 languages to date, with the next books in the trilogy: The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle, and The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s

Concert also achieving critical acclaim. His other picture books include Grandad's Secret Giant, Lights on Cotton Rock and Kid Christmas. David lives in Bedford with his family.

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