I used to review children’s books when Kaden was younger and now Remi and Natalie are getting to that fun age where they love to read with me. Kaden is into chapter books and learning new words everyday. So I have decided to say “yes” when a children’s book crosses my path that I think they would enjoy.
Shh! Bears Sleeping
Viking Books for Young Readers (January 5, 2016)
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0670017188
E-Book ASIN: B00W2ZKLE6
In the fall
When leaves turn red
Bears know soon
It’s time for bed
Comes winter
Comes snow
Bears are ready
Bears go
In their cave
Warm and deep
Winter is time
For bears to sleep
A lilting read-aloud text and stunning pictures combine to make an irresistibly appealing picture book that follows these fascinating animal friends through the cycle of the year. A page of facts about bears will answer young readers’ questions as they begin to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Nana’s Thoughts
What an absolutely wonderful book!
The first thing I noticed and all readers will notice is the spectacular oil paintings that illustrate this book. They and the prose take us through an entire year of bears. The rhythmic writing is fun to read with children of any age. Most of the words are ones children learn early so it is great when they can pick out the words they know. The paintings are so well done you almost expect to touch the page and feel the bear’s fur.
In addition to the story, there are 2 pages of Bear Facts. Again written in easy to read and understand language for children. It is like a 2nd story. A few of the words like “lethargy” and “omnivores” will need a little explanation but this makes for some great learning moments.
A spectacular book to be read aloud to children. A great bedtime story or an anytime story. These bears are so cute. I am sure this will be a book that will be reread many times. My grandchildren love it.
About The Author
Readers of David Martin’s books won’t be surprised when they meet the author and find that he is just as entertaining as his books – he sings, plays the guitar or the kazoo, or even juggles during his school visits. As David Martin says, “I have never minded particularly making a fool of myself,” so he is never at a loss to illustrate his points or to make a connection with the kids. In his interactive sessions, he also works with students to create their own books or to produce oversized class books. The author’s ease in the classroom comes from his hands-on teaching experience: he’s an eighteen-year veteran of elementary and middle schools.
A native of Queens, Martin has lived in northeast Vermont with his family since 1970.
About The Illustrators
Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher have collaborated on over 45 picture books, using an unusual approach wherein both artists conceive, draw, design and paint. Their work has appeared in annual reports, advertisements, magazines, and movies, including Toy Story and A Bug’s Life, for which they provided pre-production set and character designs.
No Star Nights was their first children’s book. Together, they have illustrated The Salamander Room, by Anne Mazer, Felix Salten’s Bambi, adapted by Janet Schulman, Cat, You Better Come Home, by Garrison Keillor, The New York Times best-selling My Many Colored Days, by Dr. Seuss, The Velveteen Rabbit, abridged by Lou Fancher, and Amazing Peace, by Maya Angelou. Their 2000 release, I Walk At Night, by Lois Duncan, was recognized as one of The New York Times Best Illustrated Books. They are the recipients of a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators and their work has appeared in Communication Arts, Print, and Graphics.
Find our more on their webpage here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”