Product Description

Little Bear can't sleep. He is frightened of the dark, even with the biggest lantern of them all at his bedside. But Big Bear finds an ingenious way to reassure him. So Big Bear takes him out and shows him the moon and the stars - and Little Bear then falls asleep.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #156672 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Review
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. (Kirkus Reviews)

Customer Reviews

The best young children's book ever
Our daughter is almost three and this book has become an essential part of her bedtime ritual. Ironically, she didn't have a fear of the dark until we read this and then she got the idea (she's quite dramatic). However, it has been great fun to play with and the simple dialogue between Big Bear and Little Bear is something that she knows off by heart. We have great fun doing the voices and it is my husband who most often gets to read it. He now takes her out into the garden after reading it as well, so that she too can look at the moon and stars.

Martin Waddell is one of our favourite children's authors and his books are a delight for children and parents alike.

The sweetest thing - for babies and adults alike
This story and its characters are sooooo sweet. I bought this book for my 20-plus year old little sister who was going through an insomnia phase and it brought tears to her eyes.

Now that I have a 9-month old baby girl who also have sleeping problems I am going to buy this book again for her. It may not work for the sleeping issue, but I will LOVE reading it to her and looking together at the fantastic illustrations. Better than a yoga session.