The basic religious principle of humanism, of faith, trust, love and hope in life with and for one another is the main theme of this artfully made photo-picture book for children AND adults alike: "For Children From 1 To 100 Years". With the help of our good friend from childhood, the Teddy bear - loved by everyone - as many people as possible are to become familiar with this story which concerns everyone of us. And there is a good reason for this: A prominent part of the proceeds of this book, actually comprising THREE books in one, will be indiscriminately dedicated to sick and distressed children all over the world to help them not to lose their courage. The novel and varied setup of the book layout supports and complements the interconnecting contents of Book I, II and III. Book 1 initially personates the psychical and physical composure of the bear "Yellowy" on pages 1, 2, 9 and 10. The layout of the black/white text pages 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21 additionally emphasizes picturesquely his subjective understanding of reality by seeing himself at the beginning of the story only as unloved, sick and neglected outsider. Contrasting his feelings the respective colorful representations of pages 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 depict his retreat in apparently unattainable wish-and daydreams. Thereafter his unconstrained integration into the community of all the bear children then takes place with the caring assistance of the female bear "Whitey" by means of unprejudiced acceptance of his personality. The thus developed self-confidence - a feeling that "I AM SOMEBODY" - is based on the acceptance of the community of free individuals in mutual activity and support in life. Appreciated on picture - and text - pages 23 to 30. Because each individual's lifetime is inseparable from the seasonal cycle of creation with its waxing and waning the subject matter of socio-ethical demands of Book I logically leads over to the variety of themes of pedagogical teachings in Book II. There the ideals of the bear "Yellowy" in Book I finally come true by actively sharing the happenings (refer to pages 33, 34, 37 and 38). But in reference to the mutual activities which take place in, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter these themes are by no means exhausted (refer to pages 31 to 36, 47 and 48) but additional stimulation for the course of the year is offered which amongst other things produces a great diversity of harvest products presented in lively arrangements on pages 39 to 44 as whole, opened and processed forms. Book III, consequently deriving from the socio-ethical claims made and the instructional contents rendered, represents the "Small Bear Dictionary", which contains much of interest for both, children and adult collectors, as well as for those who want to become collectors. The intended identification with the course of events in the narrative is on the one hand achieved by the realistic representation of scenes from everyday life for each of us, on the other hand by pointing out the problems continually reoccurring, in the endless cycle of shared human experience. At the same time a positive alternative solution of the problem is offered. Through this copious narration all small and big patients are encouraged to accept themselves and their fate first in order to then cope with their disease inwardly and outwardly by continuing to think and act positively. However, this encouragement should not be considered as repression and a denial of the realities of our lives, which in their entirety embrace health, disease, AND death. Disease involves important recognition about life and death leads us into different dimensions of consciousness of eternal beauty which we can but incompletely imagine. Isn't it true that all human beings carry a he-bear "Yellowy" and a she-bear "Whitey" in themselves? However, we all have the ability to turn our back on the dark cave in our innermost thoughts in order to "let our eyes beam in the sun!" I wish you a lot of fun with this book -- and a little contemplation.
J.A.BRO. © |
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