A review by jessalynn_librarian
Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe

4.0

A surprisingly lively tale of a monk, a bear, and a book. The language is charmingly old-fashioned, parts of the pictures are inspired by illuminated manuscripts (with plenty of bears). While it would be a great addition to a lesson on medieval monasteries or book-making, it's also a funny story on its own merits.

From when the Abbot discovers that the bear has eaten the letters of St. Augustine:

"Pray tell, Brother Hugo," said the Abbot, "how did a bear find our letters of St. Augustine?"

"They seemed to agree with him."

And the closing line, from the monks of the neighboring monastery:

"We are most right glad to see you, Brother Hugo," they whispered. "Your library book is due today."