Waiting for Goliath

Bear is at the bus stop, waiting patiently. He tells everyone that he is waiting for his best friend Goliath. We may be tempted to think of a fearsome giant and wonder what Bear and such a giant may have in common. It is early spring in the opening scene, with white blossoms on leafless trees. Maybe Goliath is a bear who has been hibernating? The blossom falls and is replaced by leaves, and a birds’ nest appears, yet there is no sign of Goliath. We learn that he is much stronger and smarter than Bear; he smells nice, behaves himself and can count to 18! Days and nights pass, baby birds hatch and Bear waits on and on, through summer, autumn and winter. Other creatures come and go and still no sign of Goliath. But faithful, sweet-tempered and patient Bear still waits… You’ll have to read it to find out what happens next!

The gorgeous artwork comprises a mixture of cut-outs and collage combined in beautiful dioramas. The endpapers at the front show an empty road, while those at the back feature one set of pawprints leaving. Children will have really good fun predicting and guessing what or who Goliath is. In this warm little story about loyalty, faith and friendship, Damm has created a really likeable character about whom children will want to hear more.