Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

By Martin Waddell, Barbara Firth (Illustrator)

Part of the Martin Waddell's Little Bear series

A sleepless bear learns the dark isn't so scary after all.

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,565 ratings

32 pages· 975 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Little Bear fears the dark, but Big Bear is determined to show him there's nothing to be afraid of. As lanterns fail to comfort, Big Bear's final gesture reveals the moon and stars, offering a soothing night-time revelation. Will Little Bear find peace in the night sky's glow?

From the publisher

“I don’t like the dark,” said Little Bear.

“What dark?” said Big Bear.

“The dark all around us,” said Little Bear.

In this tender account of a sleepless night in the bear cave, Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. When all the lanterns in the cave aren’t enough to quell Little Bear’s troubled emotions, Big Bear offers—in a final loving gesture—nothing less than the bright yellow moon and the twinkling stars! More comforting than even the best of lullabies, this bedtime story is destined to become a classic.

Awards

Kate Greenaway Medal (1988)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 975
Reading age: 3–7
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD450L

Themes & topics

Books about facing fears Books about bears Books about bedtime Books about fear of the dark Books about overcoming fears

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

7.0

“The Big Bear and Little Bear books are real favorites at our house! They have been read and re-read so many times, recommended widely and given as gifts. I love that both Big Bear is a dad, a wonderfully loving and patient father. And Little Bear is being his age-typical self: curious, busy, determined, you get the idea. I especially love the slow pace of the text. These books shouldn't be rushed but savored and Martin Waddell's wonderful prose facilitates that. Barbara Firth's warm watercolor illustrations communicate so much about Big Bear's patience and love for Little Bear and Little Bear's energy and curiosity. You will want to come back to these books again and again.”

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one