Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

"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.

Big Bear and Little Bear - "Big Bear is the big bear, and Little Bear is the little bear," the narrator informs us, in one of those dead-pan asides that I always find irresistibly hilarious - settle in for the night in this charming bedtime story about being afraid of the dark. Unable to get to sleep, Little Bear tosses and turns, and although Big Bear continually interrupts his reading (what a father!) to bring him progressively larger lanterns, nothing seems to help him overcome his fear of the dark that is "all around." Finally, Big Bear takes Little Bear outside, in order to give him the biggest lantern of all...

The second bedtime book from Northern Irish author Martin Waddell, after the equally delightful Owl Babies, that I have show more read, Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? is an immensely satisfying book, depicting both Little Bear's fears, and Big Bear's compassion and patience, with sympathy. The artwork by Barbara Firth is simply delightful, perfectly capturing the emotional register of each scene. The final episode, in which Little Bear has fallen asleep in Big Bear's arms, and Big Bear (finally!) gets to finish his book, was particularly adorable. Highly recommended to anyone looking for good quality bedtime stories! For my part, I think I may try to track down more of Big Bear and Little Bear's adventures... show less

"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.

"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.

Same old sappy, but I do like that this is a father and child.
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Reread. I do like the premise of facing one's fears head-on. But why read this to a child? Why give them the idea that the dark is scary?

This book is about a little bear who is afraid to go to sleep, because he is afraid of the dark. His mother helps him to not be afraid. I really liked this book. It had a good flow, and was pretty interesting. I read this book to a couple of second grade boys and they were hanging on to every word.

These books are too adorable, sweet, and fun. This particular story is perfect for bedtime. Little Bear is afraid of the dark, but with Big Bear's help, he finds the light and safety enough to sleep soundly. With Firth's adorable and perfect illustrations, this story is a must for any child's collection.