A powerful and uplifting story about loving friendship, even through the hardest of times.
Bear and Rat are the best of friends who do everything together, but Rat wonders if Bear will always be there to hold her hand, no matter what happens…
Christopher Cheng dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and writes fiction and non-fiction for children full time. He taught in city and outback schools for a number of years and at Taronga Zoo. He is Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature. He presents to people of all ages at schools and festivals worldwide.
His many picture books include Bear and Rat, lovingly written for his amazing wife Bini, and illustrated by Stephen Michael King, which has been published in many countries worldwide. One Tree, illustrated by Bruce Whatley, was shortlisted in the 2020 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, and is a CBCA Notable Book. One Child, illustrated by Steven Woolman, won the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Picture Books (Australia) and the Skipping Stones Honour Book (USA). Christopher also worked with Sarah Davis on the critically acclaimed picture book Sounds Spooky which won an Aurealis Award in the picture book category and is a CBCA Notable Book.
Christopher is often heard to announce that he has the best job in the world!
Photo by Daniel Woo, courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia
Stephen Michael King has been described as an artist who ‘draws from the inside out’, and it is this gentle, intuitive truth that gives heart and playfulness to his work. Stephen Michael King is an internationally renowned, award-winning author and illustrator whose career has spanned over thirty years, producing more that one hundred titles. He has worked with a stable of Australia’s best children’s book authors including Glenda Millard, Margaret Wild, Nick Bland, Peter Carey and Tim Winton. Books that Stephen Michael King has written and illustrated include: Three; Rainbow Bear; Mutt Dog!; Leaf; and Milly, Jack and the Dancing Cat. His books have been translated into over twenty languages, and he is frequently honoured in children’s book award categories – including winning the CBCA Book of the year, and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award.
Photo by Trish Hayes, courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia
Author Christopher Cheng
Illustrator Stephen Michael King
Publisher Penguin Random House Australia
Date of Publication 2021
ISBN 9781760896287
Category Children's Books
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