SLEEP TIGHT, LITTLE BEAR

This winning author/illustrator team scores again with their fifth tale of Big Bear and Little Bear. One day Little Bear discovers a cave that is just the right size for him and furnishes it with his bed, a table and a chair; he plays all day in his cave, reads his book, makes his bed and has his supper. Big Bear even gives him permission to sleep there, but once in bed, Little Bear begins to wonder if Big Bear is lonely without him. Climbing out of bed and back to Big Bear’s cave, Little Bear says, “You forgot to read me my story.” And naturally, he falls asleep in Big Bear’s lap. The soft, expressive watercolors are delightfully engaging with some amusing subtle touches: Big Bear wears an apron; Little Bear’s book is 3 Ursi; and his stuffed toy is a bulbous-nosed, red-stocking-capped “teddy boy.” The simple text and charming illustrations are perfectly paired for this peek into a child/bear’s playhouse world that’s reassured by home, a shared bedtime story and friendship. (Picture book. 3-6)