On a distant mountain, a school sits next to a forest where villagers have always lived in harmony with nature. But one day, a black bear appears at the classroom door and says, "I— want—to—go—to—school. Can—I?"
Students in the rural village are startled at first, but soon they realize this black bear is gentle, curious, and eager to learn about the human world.
From that day on, the black bear joins the class, becoming a classmate and friend. He writes poems, paints pictures, and plays games in the forest. The children grow so fond of the bear that they decide to keep him a secret from the rest of the village. But will they succeed? What will happen if the villagers find out?
This award-winning and beautifully written book invites children to experience the beauty of Taiwan's mountains and forests while addressing important environmental issues. It awakens a timely and deep connection between humans and nature, telling a story of hope and coexistence.