Bear's All-Night Party [Hardcover]

Bill Harley (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Have you ever wanted to play when no one else did?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

reS-Gr 3-Bear decides to throw a party to celebrate the beauty of the full moon. He invites his animal friends but no one comes; they are all either tired, busy, or uninterested. Bear refuses to give up, and, singing a song he's made up for the occasion, he dances in a clearing by himself, until gradually his friends are drawn to the music and the moon and join in. Bear is proven right for feeling that opportunities ought to be taken advantage of because, "You never know what might happen." Digitally enhanced acrylic paintings are done in purples and blues to portray the nighttime scenes, which sometimes are a little too dark and obscure to distinguish the animals clearly. The words of Bear's song are given, but the original music is not. Without the ability to involve the audience in singing, the book loses some of its unique appeal. Anne Hunter's Possum's Harvest Moon (Houghton, 1996) offers a very similar story with a more informative text on what the different woodland creatures do when winter approaches, as well as more appealing pictures. Not essential, but a pleasant selection.

Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: August House (December 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874835720
• ISBN-13: 978-0874835724
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,527,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A two-time Grammy award-winning artist, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities, Bill uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's "All Things Considered" and featured on PBS. He joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker.


Bill began singing and storytelling in 1975 while still in college. His work has influenced a generation of children, parents, performing artists and educators. Bill's songs are joyous, direct and honest, his stories are filled with the details of daily life - all told and sung from his slightly off-center point of view.

"Humor is my weapon," says Harley of his award-winning recordings. A two-time Grammy winner, Bill's recordings have also garnered numerous other national awards including Parents' Choice, NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publication Awards), ALA (American Library Association) and the highest honor from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio for his concert DVD, "Yes to Running!" filmed in conjunction with Montana PBS.


Bill's trademark wit and wisdom can also be found in his picture books and novels for children. His first novel, The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher was chosen by Bank Street School of Education as one of the best children's books of the year and his second novel, Night of the Spadefoot Toads was awarded the Green Earth Book Award as best environmental book of the year in the children's fiction category. His picture books, based on his songs, stories and poems also stand out as 'pick of the list' from ABA and a Storytelling Award Winner. An advocate for children and educators, Bill is currently at work on a book about the culture of schools.

Touring nationally in theaters, schools, libraries, festivals and conferences, as a workshop leader, keynote and inspirational speaker, Bill's work affirms our commonality and reminds us to laugh out loud. In the car, the classroom, at home or on stage, "no one beats Harley for intelligent, polished children's entertainment - he's simply the best." Mothering Magazine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An extravagantly illustrated modern fable, September 17, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bear's All-Night Party (Hardcover)

Bill Harley's Bear's All-Night Party is a children's book about the optimistic Bear who wants to throw a big celebration, despite the pessimism of the many other animals, who claim that "no one will come." It doesn't take long for Bear's dance, music, and song to catch on in this extravagantly illustrated modern fable about the importance of enjoying the moment. A lovely, lively picturebook superbly enhanced with Mellisa Ferreira's artwork.

5.0 out of 5 stars family sing along, May 11, 2006

By 

Reading Mother (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bear's All-Night Party (Hardcover)

while I wish the music for the song were included, I made up a tune to sign and soon found my kids joining in. This is one library book we're going to buy.