WAKE UP, GROUCHY BEAR!

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to wake up!

Arising from their winter hibernations, the forest animals wonder why Bear is still sleeping. Fearing his fierce reaction (“Bear can be VERY grouchy if he doesn’t get enough sleep”), Bird, Chipmunk, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Mouse quietly creep into his cave to wake him up. As they decorate his body with flower crowns, give him a rainbow pedicure, and freshen up his dark cave, Bear dreams of good times to come, shown in an emotional spread of Bear outlined in the green of nature (the smaller animals scampering over him), set against the soothing deep blue of the page. At last, he wakes up; the limitless possibilities of a new season with friends await. Relying on exuberant rounded lines and intentional pops of color amid a background of either solid green or blue, Caldecott honoree Stein has created a world bursting with life, playfully portraying Bear and his forest friends with expressive faces. His text flows naturally, using alliteration, short sentences, and very effective page turns (young readers will go wild for Bear’s eventual awakening), making this a natural choice for a captivating read-aloud. Children will readily relate to Bear’s reluctance to get out of bed amid pleasant dreams—as well as the unbearable anticipation felt by his friends.

High-spirited and brimming with fun, a charming look at the dawn of a new season and continued good times with friends.