Most readers will enjoy Ura's World, a new children's book by John Walker (2009, designEUM, South Korea, 36 pages), as a “beary” good read. It's an enchanting tale about bears.
This nicely illustrated book has support from Moonbears.org, which campaigns against the cruelty of bear-bile farming in Asia. Sales revenue from the book goes to environmental charities.
An exuberant young moon bear named Ura loves to dance. As he dances one day, Gaachi, a bird, mistakes the bear's gyrating backside for a nice nest, with jolting results.
“Poor little Gaachi! He had been chased all day by an old eagle. He was so tired. He had lost sight of his cozy nest so when he saw that soft nest in front of him, he dived right for it. But, oh dear, Ura's bottom was not what he expected. Feathers and fur flew all about.”
Despite the blunder, Ura and Gaachi forge a friendship and share a big adventure. The book follows them and a “charismatic gang of forest friends in their mountain environment far from the city”, said Moonbears.org managing director Kelly McKenna.
“Among these friends is a wise, old eagle, Doc Suri, a spectacle-wearing creature with an interesting history. We read about Doc Suri's first encounter with a human and learn a thing or two about the value of helping others.
“Ura finds trouble as easily as he finds fun. The story ends with another encounter with the human world. Ura and his friends learn a lesson about life's delicate balance of action and consequence.”
Walker, the author, normally works as a banker and as chairman of the Macquarie Group. A resident of South Korea since 2000, he appreciates its wildlife and mountains.
“The book's setting is the beautiful country of South Korea, where there were once many moon bears in the wild...,” Walker said. “I hope the tale of Ura and his friends in the Korean mountains brings joy to many.” He dedicates it to “all those tireless people who give their lives to improving and protecting our natural environment.
“I hope that young Koreans who are studying the English language will find the book helpful through identifying with their own animals and mountains. Secondly, I hope that all readers will be reminded of the beauty of Korean nature and the importance of protecting its flora and fauna.”
Such noble intentions fail to prevent a few flaws. Sometimes Walker's text and the illustrations by Heejung Sohn don't match. According to the book, Gaachi has “lovely green and blue feathers”, but the images show a black-and-white bird. One heroic character, Little Daramji, apparently from the squirrel family, suddenly appears without an introduction. Eventually, Ura tumbles into a deep hole, and a kind-hearted man joins the rescue effort. “Fortunately, he had with him a long rope, and he tied one end to a big tree.” But an illustration shows the rope merely draped over the tree.
A predictably happy ending invites sequels as Ura dozes “with baby bear snoring ‘heeeheee’, getting rested for his next adventure”.
According to McKenna, “This book allows citizens to enjoy a product while giving back to the animal-welfare community so we believe it is unique and beautiful.”
Approval rating: 73 per cent.
For more information: www.moonbears.org
(September 7, 2009)
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