Day 60: The Bears in the Bed and the Great Big Storm

We are having some CRAZY weather in Boston tonight.  We’ve been under a tornado watch all evening and have gotten at least three inches of rain, with fantastically scary thunder and lightning.  Two tornadoes have touched down in western parts of the state, but fortunately we're all safe and cozy in our house.  What better book to feature on a night like this than The Bears in the Bed and the Great Big Storm?  We received this as a gift from my brother in law two years ago and have loved it since the very first time we read it.  At first glance, it looks like part of the Bear Snores On series, for it is also illustrated by the fabulous Jane Chapman.  We just love her!  But don't worry, Paul Bright, we love your story, too.  "How the wind blew!  It howled in the treetops, so that the branches bent and creaked and the leaves shivered and shook... Bear and Mrs. Bear slept warm and snug and untroubled in their bed."  Untroubled, that is, until Baby Bear wakes them up and asks to join them, convinced that there is a monster outside.  "'There's no such thing as monsters,' said Bear.  'What a scaredy-bear you are.'"  But he pulls back the covers and invites Baby Bear in to snuggle up, warm and safe.  As the night goes on, Bear's other little cubs join them in the bed, as well, afraid of the noises they hear and the shadows they see.  Bear tries to convince them there all is no such thing as monsters, but soon enough finds himself being a scaredy-bear, too!  This adorably delightful story is perfect for any little one who has ever been afraid of storms or the dark, and the ending is bound to bring a smile to your face.   It isn't as well known as some of our other favorites, but is definitely a classic in our family that is well worth a read!

Day 1: Bear Wants More

I'm happy to feature this book as our very first great read!  I decided to make this fabulous story my first post for a few reasons.  First, my mom gave us this book when my son was born and we have adored it ever since.  In fact, we have read it so many times that I can easily recite it from memory, which comes in quite handy when we're still telling stories before bed after we've already turned out the light.   It's also a perfect first post, though, because it is about the arrival of spring... and who isn't yearning for spring sunshine and flowers right now?  Karma Wilson's rhyming story lines are delightful and Jane Chapman's illustrations are wonderful, too.  We just love reading about the silly bear and all of his friends!  In this story, the loveable Bear has just woken up quite hungry from his winter hibernation and can't get enough to eat.  After reading this one a few times, we were left wanting more, too, so we just had to go out and get some of the other books in the series.  While they are available in hardcover, some (including this one) are also available as board books; a good thing for a book as loved (and chewed upon) as this one!  In fact, it is one of my favorite books to give to friends as a baby gift.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!