The Bear Rolls Over

<p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>When the Bear Rolls Over: A Heikinpäivä Tale</strong></p><p><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>By Lisa Dorvinen</em></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>In the heart of Michigan's snowy Upper Peninsula the Finnish-American town of Hancock bursts with celebration on </span><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Heikinpäivä</strong><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> the midwinter festival that marks the turning of the season.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>According to the old Finnish proverb </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Karhu kylkeänsä kääntää</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> - the bear rolls onto his other side. Deep in his forest den a drowsy bear stirs signaling that the darkest days of winter are nearly past.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Through rhythmic storytelling and vivid whimsical illustrations author </span><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Lisa Dorvinen</strong><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> captures the spirit of community culture and hope that defines Finnish heritage. From kicksled races and steaming mugs of cocoa to nisua bread and glowing lanterns every page celebrates the beauty of Copper Country traditions.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Blending </span><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>folklore cultural education and seasonal storytelling</strong><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>When the Bear Rolls Over</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> is a charming picture book that invites young readers to discover how one small town in Michigan keeps its Finnish roots alive-one snowy celebration at a time.</span></p><p></p><p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Themes:</strong></p><ul><li><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Finnish-American culture and heritage</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Seasonal change and folklore</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Community family and celebration</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Upper Peninsula regional history</span></li></ul><p></p><p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Audience:</strong></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>For children ages </span><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>4-8</strong><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> classrooms cultural heritage programs and winter-themed story hours.</span></p><p></p><p></p>