Esmerelda Tree-Cat/The Lonely Bear is a tête-bêche (head-to-toe) stylebook containing two stories – one reading from head to foot and the other from foot to head – in a single bound volume. The stories are both physically and thematically interwoven: the “right side up” text consistently appears on the right side with the “upside-down” text on the left; and when read together, the stories weave a unified tale of isolation, transcendence, supernatural powers, and love. Human and ursine characters are loners with turbulent lives until a seemingly serendipitous encounter sparks lifelong friendship.

Incandescently silk-screened in five colors by Brooklyn-based Kayrock Press. Meticulously hand-painted with acrylic and gouache by Eliana Perez and Sara Parkel. The cover is hand-sanded wood paneling (chosen for its nostalgic faux-likeness to bark, as trees figure prominently in this tale) and hand silk-screened by Candice Sering. The original, first edition of 6 with 2 AP’s was published in 2006 by the artist.

Pictures and story by Christine Shields.
Binding by Sara Parkel and Eliana Perez.
Sewing and letterpress printing by Sara Parkel.
Pre-press and pre-press coordination by Amy Mees.
Color separation by Panayiotis Terzis
Produced by Booklyn.

Lap-case bound with navy bonded leather spine onto wood panel covers. Housed in a fur pouch with glo-cord and toggle closure; fur pouch approx. 11” x 14.”