Last September I posted a review of four picture books that focus on bookmaking between the years 500 and 1400. I recently came across another book on the topic (which is one I’d love to learn more about). If you, too, are interested in medieval bookmaking, I hope you’ll take the time to read one or more of these five picture books.
Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe, illustrated by S.D Schindler (Eerdmans, 2014)
The author of Brother Hugo and the Bear is a history professor with a doctorate in medieval history from Oxford. She was inspired to write this book by a letter in which the abbot of a Benedictine monastery mentioned that one of their books was eaten by a bear.
In this fictionalized account, Brother Hugo must make amends by creating a new copy of the letters of Saint Augustine; unfortunately now that the bear has a taste for books he waits patiently for Brother Hugo to finish so he can eat some more! Over the course of the story other monks help Brother Hugo with all the steps of creating a manuscript, from stretching a sheepskin to making ink to sewing the pages together. I found the ending a bit odd and abrupt, but the dramatic nature of the story might keep kids reading.
The illustrations are a blend of realistic pictures of the monks and illuminated letters and borders — not the most colourful, but pretty and detailed. A historical note provides context and explains the inspiration for the story, a glossary defines fourteen terms, and author’s and illustrator’s notes elaborate on the creation of Brother Hugo and the Bear. I think parents will find this material interesting once they’re done reading the book aloud. Recommended for ages 5 to 9.
I can’t resist ending with a picture.
