Viviana Falleti’s picture book for young children introduces Lev, a bear raised by humans. Orphaned as a cub, Lev is adopted by Mr. Angeloff, a kind middle-aged man, who treats Lev as a member of the family. In the Angeloffs’ cozy apartment, in Siberia, Lev enjoys the company of their five children and family pets, including Big Malachi, a rescued eagle, who likes to live inside a closet, and Kazimir, an intense cat. In his domesticated life, Lev helps the poor family by performing at the market riding his tricycle, and also posing for photos with people. Eventually, when Lev is almost fully grown, the family decides to release him into the forest, thinking he will be happier there.
Lev gets very lonely and misses his family. He tries to connect with a couple of other bears, but they are not at all interested. When Mr. Angeloff comes to check on him, Lev begs to return home. Mr. Angeloff agrees, and the two of them head home just in time for Christmas. Lev’s journey shows young readers that it is wonderful to help others. Lev is happy and content and joyful that he chose this path.
Victoria Fomina’s immersive illustrations charm. They center on Lev, a chocolate-brown bear with kind, expressive eyes. Each scene is replete with sensory details that reward close attention:
- In the apartment, Mama Masha prepares delicious gooey-chewy cakes, dripping with frosting, alongside a steaming pot of tea.
- At a family outing, they pick bright orange-colored sea buckthorn berries. They are surrounded by featherlike grasses dotted with wildflowers. The sky is bathed in a golden hue.
- Ultimately, Lev’s ability to find happiness is based on the love he finds and gives within his very unique family.
- Takeaway: Cheerful picture book follows Lev, a bear, rescued and raised by humans in their apartment, in a very cold place called Siberia.
