Book Series · 15 Books

The Bear Books

In order from Bear Snores On to Bear Feels Sad.

Bear and his woodland friends use patience, food, play, and steady companionship to help one another through seasons, celebrations, worries, and change.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated

Bear Snores On
Bear Wants More
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Bear Feels Scared
Bear's New Friend
Bear's Loose Tooth
Bear Says Thanks
Reading order

How to Read the Bear Books

The fifteen individual stories are shown in publication order. They are not a numbered continuing plot, so families can choose a topic that matches the moment; Bear Snores On is the best introduction to Bear and the woodland group. Boxed collections are not additional stories.

Sources: Simon & Schuster Bear Books series.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

Warm rhyme and repeated phrases make these strong group read-alouds. Individual books give children approachable language for fear, sickness, sleeplessness, impatience, gratitude, sadness, and welcoming a new friend.

The emotional tension stays reassuring: Bear gets lost or worried, loses a tooth, feels ill, or needs help with a difficult feeling, but attentive friends remain nearby and no one is seriously harmed.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Bear Snores On
Sale price
$858
Book #1 · Board Book · Ages 3–7 · 2002

Bear Snores On

By Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman (Illustrator)

A bear sleeps as uninvited guests party in his cave. What happens when he wakes up?

34 pages
4.8/7 Bookroo
$8.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: In a deep, dark cave, a bear slumbers through the cold winter. Meanwhile, a parade of animals sneaks in, seeking warmth and companionship. They brew tea, pop corn, and revel in a cozy gathering. But what will happen when the bear finally awakens to find his lair filled with unexpected guests? Will he join the fun or send them scurrying back into the cold? Discover the surprise awaiting in this charming tale of unexpected friendships and winter warmth.
The complete set

The Bear Series

15 books · Published 2002–2025

Series
Sale price
$858

Bear Snores On

Board Book · Ages 3–7 · 2002

A bear sleeps as uninvited guests party in his cave. What happens when he wakes up?

Bear Wants More

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2003

A ravenous bear wakes from hibernation, seeking to satisfy an insatiable hunger.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas

Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2004

A bear is kept awake by his friends on Christmas Eve so he can participate in the holiday festivities.

Bear Feels Scared

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2008

A bear lost in the woods finds comfort in friendship.

Bear's New Friend

Board Book · Ages 3–7 · 2009

Bear seeks the source of mysterious tree noises.

Sale price
$858

Bear's Loose Tooth

Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 2011

Bear's tooth wiggles, causing concern. Can friends ease his worries?

Sale price
$858

Bear Says Thanks

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Bear plans a feast, but his cupboards are empty. How will he thank his friends?

Sale price
$858

Bear Feels Sick

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2012

Bear is sick, but when he recovers, his friends fall ill. Can friendship heal them all?

Bear Sees Colors

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2014

A bear goes on a walk with a mouse and discovers different colors in nature.

Bear Counts

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

Join Bear and Mouse on a counting adventure from one to five.

Big Bear, Small Mouse

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2016

Explore opposites with a big bear and a small mouse in their woodland adventure.

Bear Can't Sleep

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

A bear struggles to fall asleep during hibernation and is visited by his friends who try to help him.

Sale price
$1797

Bear Can't Wait

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Bear's surprise for Hare turns chaotic. Can he fix it in time?

Bear Finds Eggs

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2024

Can Bear and friends find and return the missing eggs?

Bear Feels Sad

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Bear's lonely day transforms with a heartfelt plan.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Bear series?

There are 15 books in the Bear series. It began with Bear Snores On in 2002, and the newest book, Bear Feels Sad, was published in 2025.

What ages are the Bear books best for?

The series is best for ages 2–8, based on the age ranges of the individual books.

The people

The Creatives Behind the Books

The people who bring The Bear to life.

01

Karma Wilson

Author
02

Jane Chapman

Illustrator

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