THE BEARS IN THE BED AND THE GREAT BIG STORM

It seems that all the little bears in this family are “scaredy-bears” when it comes to thunderstorms. While Bear and Mrs. Bear try to sleep on a stormy night, one by one, Baby Bear, Little Bear and Young Bear creep into their bed, convinced the storm’s howls and bangs are monsters. “There’s no such thing as monsters!” Bear tries to convince them unsuccessfully. After being awakened three times, it’s Bear’s turn not to be able to sleep, and he ends up getting spooked by the storm as well. Bear gets a taste of his own medicine when the small bears laugh at him and tell him there’s no such thing as monsters. Though not particularly striking in any way, it’s still a mildly amusing if predictable story about a classic issue. Human “scaredy-bears” will enjoy the humorous turn and probably find comfort in the repetition and Chapman’s trademark cuddly illustrations. (Picture book. 3-6)