'CAN'T YOU SLEEP, LITTLE BEAR?' by Martin Waddell

The second bedtime book from Northern Irish author Martin Waddell, after the equally delightful Owl Babies, that I have read, Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? is an immensely satisfying book, depicting both Little Bear's fears, and Big Bear's compassion and patience, with sympathy. Unable to get to sleep, Little Bear tosses and turns, and although Big Bear continually interrupts his reading (what a father!) to bring him progressively larger lanterns, nothing seems to help him overcome his fear of the dark that is 'all around.' Finally, Big Bear takes Little Bear outside, in order to give him the biggest lantern of all. The artwork, done in watercolor, is every bit as cute as in Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, and perfectly captures the emotional register of each scene.Big Bear and Little Bear - 'Big Bear is the big bear, and Little Bear is the little bear,' the narrator informs us, in one of those dead-pan asides that I always find irresistibly hilarious - settle in for the night in this charming bedtime story about being afraid of the dark. I liked that this is a father-son duo, as so many of these types of books seem to focus more on the mother's role as nurturer, and neglect the father's.

After greatly enjoying my first excursion into the world of Big Bear and Little Bear, in the form of cute-as-a-button bedtime book, Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, I thought I would try another of their picture-book adventures, and Good Job, Little Bear (published in the UK as Well Done, Little Bear) did not disappoint! Another sweetly satisfying examination of the parent-child relationship, it follows the ursine duo as they take a stroll through the forest, with Little Bear ranging out in front, and exploring - climbing rocks, leaping off branches, skipping across streams - and Big Bear always there, in the background, ready to catch his little one, and keep him safe.Īn endearing story, one which emphasizes the parent's role as protector and teacher - Big Bear is always there, in the background, willing to let Little Bear discover the world on his terms, but ready to step in, if his help is needed - Good Job, Little Bear offers reassurance and affirmation for young children, who are just beginning to get a sense of the wider world beyond their home, and to feel both drawn to it, and fearful of it.

'CAN'T YOU SLEEP, LITTLE BEAR?' by Martin Waddell