Children's Book Review gave 5 stars to: Bear Snores On

Children's Book Review reviewed:

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful: A Wonderful Book, November 17, 2004 "In a cave in the woods, in his deep, dark lair, through the long, cold winter sleeps a great brown bear." Thus begins the story of a very drowsy bear, set against the backdrop of blizzard-like conditions brewing about outside his cozy, warm nook. The bear in this tale does one thing, and one thing only -- he sleeps. Never mind that a fierce snowstorm is raging just a few feet away outside his lair. Nothing can awaken this bear while he's deep into hibernation. "An itty-bitty mouse, pitter-pat, tip-toe, creep-crawls in the cave from the fluff-cold snow." Ah, but the great brown bear now has company. Although very small, the mouse deems the bear's sleeping quarters, "Too damp, too dank, too dark." So, because he's a most resourceful little mouse, he sets about lighting up his own tiny bonfire to warm himself from the bitter-frigid temperatures overtaking the woods. Despite the light from from the fire illuminating the cave with a golden glow, the bear snores on. "Two gleaming eyes sneak-peek in the den. Mouse cries, 'Who's there?' and a hare hops in." As it turns out, the mouse and the hare are old friends. And it's been a long time since they've seen one another. So the mouse and the hare enjoy each other's company, popping white corn and brewing black tea. Yet, despite the mouse's wee slurps and the hare's big burps, the bear, incredibly, still snores on. Eventually, this small gathering turns into a rather ample party. No less than a badger, gopher, mole, raven, and a wren join the festivities, all seeking shelter from the blizzard. Pretty soon, all the respective animals invading the bear's humble abode are dancing about, seasoning the stew, and just generally causing a scene. And that's the recipe for disaster. Because all that racket stirs the bear from his peaceful slumber. And when he wakes up, he WAKES UP. Published in 2002, author Karma Wilson and illustrator Jane Chapman have crafted a wonderful book. Wilson's writing is bouncy and buoyant, just begging to be read aloud. And Chapman does an excellent job with the illustrations, striking a clear contrast between the stark conditions of the snowstorm (harsh blues, blacks and whites) with the cozy conditions of the bear's cave (warm browns, oranges and yellows). This engaging story was the recipient of many awards, including a stint at sitting atop the "New York Times" best-seller list. It is recognition well-deserved, for this book is a reminder of what talented writers and illustrators can do with such a simple premise as presented in this tale. But, luckily for readers everywhere, the account of the bear and his friends does not end here! There are also the two sequels, "Bear Wants More" and "Bear Stays Up for Christmas." If you're looking for a book to center your children's library around, you cannot go wrong by starting out with "Bear Snores On." Children will delight in the story, the characters, and the inviting illustrations. For there is much fun to be had with the bear, mouse and hare; as well as badger, gopher, mole, raven, and wren.