The human animal, the thinking animal, thinks with animals. We know that animal-based metaphors are central to our meaning-mongering and that metaphorical thinking is central to the development of children’s creativity, which means that animals are our constant companions in the sandbox of the imagination from childhood on.

In Strong as a Bear (public library), German author, illustrator, and graphic designer Katrin Stangl presents a playful take on this metaphorical menagerie of the human imagination through a series of illustrated idioms, existing and invented, exploring the emotional resonance between humans and other animals.

Reminiscent of Blexbolex and vintage Soviet illustration yet entirely original, Stangl’s aesthetic emanates a jubilant simplicity suffused with a vibrancy of emotion.

Strong as a Bear comes from Brooklyn-based indie picture-book powerhouse Enchanted Lion, publisher of such intelligent and imaginative treasures as Cry, Heart, But Never Break, The Lion and the Bird, and Louis I, King of the Sheep.

Illustrations courtesy of Enchanted Lion; photographs by Maria Popova