Sleep Tight, Little Bear with DVD [Hardcover]

Martin Waddell (Author), Barbara Firth (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Little Bear

Little Bear learns that it's fun to venture off by yourself, but even better to know that you can go home again in this heart-tugging ode to the endearing, enduring bond between Big Bear and Little Bear.

One day Little Bear discovers a new cave that's the perfect size, just for him. He plays in it all day, eats supper there, and, with Big Bear's permission, even gets ready to spend the night. But when the big moon shines overhead and Little Bear is lying there all by himself, he suddenly realizes that Big Bear might be getting lonely back in the old Bear Cave. Perhaps it's time to go home. Big Bear and Little Bear, stars of CAN'T YOU SLEEP, LITTLE BEAR? and other beloved picture books by Hans Christian Andersen Medal winner Martin Waddell, are back in another classic story, lovingly illustrated with deft humor by Barbara Firth.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K–Little Bear's many fans will be happy to see this charming new title. When the cub finds a small cave, it seems just the right size for him. He sets up house there, with Big Bear's reassuring presence nearby. At bedtime, he asks to sleep alone in his new home, and Big Bear agrees. Then, Big Bear plodded all the way back to the Bear Cave alone, without Little Bear. The accompanying illustration demonstrates how much Firth's work adds to this simply written and graceful story. Big Bear is seen from behind, walking away, holding a lantern; he's a beacon of light and safety as a soft darkness falls over the forests and mountains. The artist's compositions add a subtle kind of originality, and the soft colors and artful lines add appeal, character, and atmosphere. Preschoolers respond to stories about the tension between independence and protection. While this one does not break new ground, it is a stellar example of its kind.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-K. If Minarik and Sendak's Little Bear is the most cherished character by that name, then Firth and Waddell's must clock in at a close second. In his fifth picture book, winsome Little Bear discovers "his own little cave," perfect for a playhouse. With Big Bear's permission, he plays, eats, and prepares to camp out. Adults will recognize Big Bear's obvious mixed emotions as Little Bear tests his independence, while children will respond to the cub's delight in claiming a corner of his own, and, later, to the loneliness that eventually sends him dancing back into his guardian's lap. Waddell, the winner of the 2004 Hans Christian Andersen Medal, offers a lilting text with gently comic touches (Little Bear's housekeeping tasks include making his bed, then jumping on it), while Firth's expressive artwork, washed in muted tones of pebble, wood, and sky, harnesses the emotional undercurrents. This graceful addition to a popular series may have particular resonance for children in single-parent households. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; Har/DVD edition (September 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076362439X
• ISBN-13: 978-0763624392
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.4 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Martin Waddell is the Hans Christian Andersen Medal winner 2004 and two-time Smarties Prize winner. Among his many books for children are the Little Bear and Farmer Duck series. Martin lives in Newcastle in County Down.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle and heartwarming, February 23, 2007

By 

Mike in SF - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sleep Tight, Little Bear with DVD (Hardcover)

The story is really gentle and charming with a nice message that is relatable with young children who are starting to want to be more independent. Our 22 month old daughter can relate to all the things the little bear is doing. And the caring relationship with the parent is nicely portrayed. It is illustrated with soft watercolors. The graceful compositions and lighting make the book interesting to look at.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, especially with the DVD, November 27, 2009

By 

Oregon Mom (Salem, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sleep Tight, Little Bear with DVD (Hardcover)

We checked this book out from the library, and now have added it to our permanent collection. This story is so sweet, and the pictures are quite charming. For the non-reading child, the pictures are especially wonderful because they add an even greater depth to the story.

We LOVE the DVD that includes Mr. Waddell reading the story with his lovely Irish accent. Along with the story, the DVD includes how Waddell gets inspiration for his stories, how the illustrator works with the author, and how the Irish landscape fits in with the stories.

My pre-school daughters are smitten with the book, and love to watch the storytime DVD right before they go to bed. It's calming and gives their dreams a wonderful place to start from.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sleep Tight, Little Bear, March 11, 2006

By 

Nancy M. Finch "NFinchy" (Syracuse, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sleep Tight, Little Bear with DVD (Hardcover)

Author Martin Waddell and illustrator Barbara Firth have gotten it right again with this, their 7th, Little Bear book. In each book they capture a universal aspect of the parent-child relationship and this one is no exception. It is a timeless and touching tale of love and trust. The illustrations extend the text and add great details for the child to look at while being read to. The DVD interview with Martin Waddell which is included also increased my appreciation for these wonderful tales.