Every Young Troubled Sleeper Should Meet Little Bear

Recommended for ages 3 to 6

*One of my favorites growing up!

First off, all I really need to see is the way Little Bear looks up at Big Bear on the cover and I'm a goner. The affection and love Firth managed to capture in the eyes of Little Bear speaks volumes more than any words could. Amazing what an artist can do with pencil and watercolor!

In Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear? by Martin Waddell, Big Bear finds out that Little Bear doesn’t like the dark. Big Bear brings Little Bear a lantern to keep him "from being scared." After Big Bear leaves the room, the reader observes Little Bear turning somersaults around on his bed. This might lead a reader to believe that maybe, just maybe, Little Bear's problem isn't the dark.

Big Bear comes in to find out why Little Bear still can’t sleep. Little Bear blames the darkness again, despite the covers and pillows from Little Bear's bed now laying on the floor (very suspicious!). Next thing you know, you see Big Bear helping Little Bear up the stairs to go outside--this scene looks exactly like a human parent holding onto her child's hands to lead her up the stairs. Big Bear has brought Little Bear out to see the biggest night light of them all—the moon.

And then one of the sweetest lines ever, "I've brought you the moon, Little Bear," said Big Bear. "The bright yellow moon and all the twinkly stars."

Alas, Little Bear has fallen asleep, snuggly tucked in Big Bear's arms.