The Bear went over the Mountain / William Kotzwinkle

William Kotzwinkle is in fine comic form in this outrageous and flashy parable about Hal Jam – a big black bear who finds a manuscript under a tree in the Maine woods, dons a suit and tie and sets off for the big city to seek his fame and fortune. What follows is an enchanting adventure with the fun-loving Hal Jam as he leaves the quiet, nurturing world of the forest and enters the glittering and corrupt world of man. New York and Hollywood and everything in between serve as a sweeping palette for Kotzwinkle’s wickedly funny satirical brush.