Aya awakens, steps out of her hut, and sits by the campfire with her grandparents for breakfast. It’s a special day. Today, Grandpa will take Aya into the forest to see a bear—a first for her. They mount their horses and make their way through the woods, keenly aware of indicators of the shifting seasons, among them the changing colors of leaves and birds flying south for the winter. As Grandpa and Aya reach the top of a hill, they take their places and wait…and wait. Eventually a mother bear and her three cubs appear and curl up to take a nap on an old, abandoned mattress surrounded by trash. After the bears leave, Aya and her grandfather burn the garbage to discourage the animals’ dependence on humans—an example of environmental stewardship in action. Warm, softly blended colors create detailed portraits of Aya, her grandfather, and the various animals they encounter. Blackcrane’s gentle, appealingly straightforward narration sets a steady pace that reflects the story’s theme of patience. Backmatter offers more information on the Oroqen, an ethnic group that resides in the forests and mountains of northern China.