Winner of the Caldecott Medal for illustration in 1953.
“The Biggest Bear” by Lynd Ward is a classic children’s picture book that follows the story of Johnny Orchard, a young boy living on a farm. Eager to prove his worth, Johnny adopts a bear cub from the forest. However, as the bear grows, it becomes unmanageable and wreaks havoc on the farm. Johnny must grapple with the consequences of his decision and ultimately learns the importance of returning the bear to its natural habitat. Through beautifully illustrated images, the book explores themes of responsibility, the wildness of nature, and the challenges of taming the untamable. It’s a timeless tale that reflects on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
