Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

Waddell, Martin

ISBN 10: 0780763920 ISBN 13: 9780780763920

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 1994

Synopsis

"I don't like the dark," said Little Bear.
"What dark?" said Big Bear.
"The dark all around us," said Little Bear.
In this tender account of a sleepless night in the bear cave, Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. When all the lanterns in the cave aren't enough to quell Little Bear's troubled emotions, Big Bear offers--in a final loving gesture--nothing less than the bright yellow moon and the twinkling stars! More comforting than even the best of lullabies, this bedtime story is destined to become a classic.

About this title

About the Author:

Martin Waddell is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest living writers of books for children. His work includes Farmer Duck, Owl Babies and the 1989 Kurt Maschler Award-winning The Park in the Dark, also illustrated by Barbara Firth. In 2004 he won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. He lives in Northern Ireland.Barbara Firth won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? She illustrated over 30 picture books in her lifetime, including You and Me, Little Bear; Sleep Tight, Little Bear; Let's Go Home, Little Bear; Tom Rabbit; and the 1989 Kurt Maschler Award-winning The Park in the Dark.

From Kirkus Reviews:

In this comforting story about a big bear trying to help a little bear overcome his fear of the dark, both the affectionate humor and the beguiling variations on a repetitive theme are reminiscent of Minarik's classic Little Bear (1957); but this British team gives a fresh flavor to the old formula. For one thing, these bears live in a cave, comfortably furnished but just the site for lurking shadows. Big Bear (who looks like an informally updated version of one of L. Leslie Brooke's amiable Three Bears) is trying to read, but willingly fetches first one and then another and another ever-larger lantern to dispel the dark that troubles the restless little bear; finally, they go into the real dark outside to admire the full moon and Little Bear drifts off to sleep, safe at last in Big Bear's encompassing arms. Waddell's charming narration has the grace and economy of old nursery tales. Using frames of mellow slate blue, Firth sets her pencil and watercolor illustrations beneath gentle arches that suggest the cave's interior, comfortably accommodating the text among vignettes and larger spreads. As in Brooke's illustrations, there are delightful domestic details to explore, but the bears are best of all. Perfect for bedtime, or anytime. (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0780763920
• ISBN 13: 9780780763920
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• Illustrator: Firth Barbara