While the Bear Sleeps: Winter Tales and Traditions (Hardcover)

~ Caitlin Matthews (Author), Judith Christine Mills (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Escaping the cold on a winter walk, a young girl climbs inside a deep hole and finds herself in a bear's den. The magical animal then leads her (in her dreams as they hibernate) to different lands and times. The bear "chats" with the girl along the way, pointing out how different peoples developed and observe winter holiday customs and celebrations as lead-ins to the stories. They visit Europe, Mexico, and the United States, learning a little about Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Candelmas, Solstice, Twelfth Night, and New Year's Day. While this attractively designed compilation can serve as a guide to discussing and studying different seasonal holidays, readers may simply enjoy the twosome's journey and stories along the way. Mills's appealing acrylics appear throughout, sometimes large, but generally as small vignettes in the text margins. Sources are cited in an endnote.-L.F.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Barefoot Books (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902283813
• ISBN-13: 978-1902283814
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #520,021 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars While the Bear Sleeps, July 13, 2000

By A Customer

This book is not only full of beautiful pictures, it is full of traditional Winter Holiday Stories from all religions. Included are the tales of Hanukah, stories of Jesus, the African Harvest Festival and even the Polish winter holidays. Its a great way for children to explore all belifs, while enjoying the rich colourful images. Its a book you can read time and time again.