Bear by Ben Queen, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

I enjoy Todd-Stanton's fantastical art in his picture-book length graphic novels, and I was interested to see this new book he created in conjunction with Ben Queen.

Bear has a special job. His siblings are K-9 workers, but he's a guide dog for the blind. He's well-trained and dedicated to his job, taking care of Patrick. Patrick is twenty-eight, repairs vending machines, and likes to read. He's also blind. He applied for a guide dog to make him more efficient in his work, and he and Bear bonded from the first day they met. They're the perfect team, until something terrifying happens to Bear - a sudden black patch blocks out the light and he's lost and panicked.

Patrick calls Meg, who runs the organization that trained Bear, and the two are worried about Bear's health and make plans to get him checked out immediately. But Bear is confused and terrified. If he can't do his job, will they take him away from Patrick? If he can't do his job, is he still special? He falls easy prey to the malicious story told to him by Uncle, the leader of the raccoon band hiding under the house, and runs to the woods to find magic to heal him.

Bear's quest leads him to new friends, family, and many revelations about himself and his senses. He learns that he is more than his job and that Patrick needs him no matter what. He also makes friends with a different kind of bear and the two travel together through the woods, town, and city.

As Bear's sometimes frightening, sometimes beautiful journey progresses, Patrick and Meg bond as they search for Bear and learn about each other.

Finally, there is a happy conclusion for all; Bear is able to resume his job, but he has gained the self-confidence and knowledge to allow him to consider himself worthy whether or not he gains his sight. Patrick and Meg have gained a new understanding of each other and a deep friendship, and the raccoons, well, they are raccoons!

Queen talks in the end about some of the more philosophical and scientific background to the ideas of sight, perspective, and mental pictures and mentions that he consulted blind individuals for accuracy.

Verdict: This is a beautiful, intense story but I'm not sure exactly who the audience is. If you have fans of graphic novels like Mouse Guard, that would be the best bet. It's fine for younger kids, although there are scary moments there is minimal blood and it's more atmospheric than graphic terror. The philosophical tone and reflection may appeal more to introspective readers though, who are likely to be older.

ISBN: 9781684155316; Published August 2020 by Archaia; Borrowed from another library in my consortium