ors (bear) is a picture book by Miriam Galea, published by Kotba Calleja, launched at the Malta Book Festival at the MFCC in Ta' Qali, where the public had the opportunity to view some of the original artwork.

ors is a modern fairytale about an unlikely encounter between a doleful bear and a ghostlike figure, as they follow each other through town and forest, sensing their common malaise.

This beautifully-illustrated book, perfect for adult audiences but enjoyable by all ages, is full of brooding yet whimsical artwork rendered in pencil, gouache, acryclic, charcoal and chalk, accompanying the concise yet poetic narration. As the reader is taken through lush landscapes and bustling city streets, the book explores the increasingly dystopian nature of today's relationships, isolation, melancholy and need for connection.

While ors is designed with adult readers in mind, its universal themes of longing, companionship and existential melancholy resonate with readers of all ages. The minimal yet poetic text invites a reserved introspection, giving the book a dry yet resonant tone apt for contemporary lifestyles, and leaving space for the evocative illustrations to inspire the reader's imagination.

ors was featured in the exhibition From illustration to book at the Malta Book Festival and featured in the Malta Community of Illustrators Annual, which was also launched at the festival.

Galea is currently also participating in the collective exhibition The Assembly at R Gallery in Sliema, on show until 29 December.

'ors' is available for purchase on the Kotba Calleja website www.kotbacalleja.net and from Valletta Contemporary and Il-Lokal in Valletta