Product Description

Little Bear waits patiently for Big Bear to finish all his chores so that they can play together, but after Big Bear is done, he falls asleep and so Little Bear must wake him up, reminding Big Bear that they do need to spend some time together.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1071508 in Books
• Published on: 1996-08-05
• Released on: 1996-08-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
They're ba-ack! The most bewitching bruins to hit the printed page since Paddington and Pooh now return for a third engagement, and it's just as winsome as their previous outings (Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?; Let's Go Home, Little Bear). A warm tale of togetherness, the story quickly strikes a theme familiar to any preschooler: "Little Bear wanted to play, but Big Bear had things to do." The cave needs cleaning, the wood needs fetching and, before long, Big Bear needs a nap. Not Little Bear?he's full of energy and, after exhausting the solo possibilities (such as "bear-stand-on-his-head" and "bear-run-around-by-himself"), he finally coaxes Big Bear to play with him. Waddell's finely honed text demonstrates the virtues of simplicity, and Firth's expressive watercolors splendidly amplify the story. Clothed in the colors of an autumn forest, the pages brim with emotion: through the tilt of a furry head or the incline of a paw, Firth conveys all the tenderness of the parent/child relationship. Author and artist are a match made in picture book heaven. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-Little Bear wants to play, but there is much work to be done. After gathering wood for the fire, getting water from the stream, cleaning up the cave, etc., Big Bear takes a well-deserved rest. Tired of playing by himself, Little Bear comes to talk to him and finds him asleep. The energetic youngster wakes the weary adult and coaxes him into a round of bear games. This sweetly realistic story captures an unremarkable yet typical day in a preschooler's life. Muted watercolors and pencil drawings depict forest life and convey the gentle, loving feelings the bears have for one another through mildly expressive features. As with Waddell's Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (1992) and Let's Go Home, Little Bear (1993, both Candlewick), this title successfully interprets a well-recognized and universal theme.
Rita Soltan, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 3^-5. In this latest offering about Big Bear and Little Bear, Little Bear is all too happy to help with the household chores, but after a while, he tires and repeatedly asks Big Bear if they can play. Big Bear insists that chores still need to be finished, so Little Bear gives up his quest for a playmate and frolics by himself. Finally, Big Bear realizes that spending time with Little Bear is as important as work, so they engage in a rollicking game of hide-and-seek. The lively narrative and soft-toned watercolor illustrations exude the warmth and love shared by the two bears. This charming combination of words and pictures will captivate old and new bear friends who will find this sequel to Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (1992) and Let's Go Home, Little Bear (1993) both appealing and amusing. April Judge

Customer Reviews

Perfect bedtime book
As with all Martim Waddell's books about Little Bear, this is a perfect bedtime book. The text is very comforting, happy, and easy to understand. It is a book that leaves you and your child feeling good as it concentrates on the parent/child bond. I like leaving my kids with this story in their heads at bedtime.

Gentle popular story
My 2 year old likes this short story about a big bear and a little bear spending the day together. The big bear does chores and the little bear helps. The little bear also plays by himself while the big bear is busy. Eventually they play together (hide and seek and bat and ball) before going home in the evening. My little girl likes the page where little bear plays by himself - there are little pictures of him sliding and swinging and playing with sticks. I disagree with the "no rhythm" review. Its not a complex text but adequate and the pictures are charming.

Realistic
This is a wonderful book that reflects the real life of a toddler. My 3 year old daughter can relate to the story. There are times when a parent needs to get things done before playtime.