Bear Stays Up For Christmas

Written by Karma Wilson

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 2nd Graders

Normally, at this time of year, Bear would be sound asleep, just getting started on his long winter's nap. But his animal friends won't hear it; they want him to stay up to help them celebrate Christmas. He sleepily trundles out of his cave with them to get just the right tree and droops as he's stringing popcorn, but he still manages to stay awake. Just when his friends have fallen asleep, the Bear finds all kind of energy to make them gifts. But who else is awake on this special night?

This story is a great read-aloud because listeners can chime in with the refrain 'but the Bear stays up' at just the right time. The illustrations are perfect, making Bear so big and cuddly and the other animals so friendly. Keep cozy warm under a big quilt when you read this one, just like Bear does!

A Visitor For Bear

Written by Bonny Becker

Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 2nd Graders

Bear does not want any visitors. He has a sign right on his front door that says 'NO Visitors Allowed'. He's a bit surprised one day as he's making breakfast when a small mouse shows up at the door asking to come in for tea. Bear tells him 'NO Visitors Allowed' is the rule but the Mouse is not so easily swayed. As a matter of fact, he keeps popping up in the most unlikely places, forcing Bear to take drastic measures to keep him out. When Bear reaches the end of his rope and finally lets Mouse stay, he discovers that having visitors isn't quite as terrible as he thought. When Mouse leaves as he promised, Bear does all he can to make him stay, forever changing his rule about visitors.

This is a great read-aloud because of the anticipation built into each step Bear takes in making his breakfast. Young readers never know around which corner the mouse will appear. The gentle, watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the expressions on both characters' faces. While 'A Visitor for Bear' is about friendship, it sure shows the benefits of perseverance!

Where's My Mummy?

By Carolyn Crimi

Illustrated by John Manders

Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 4th graders

Only one week left until Ms. Crimi comes to Zion! We are so excited! This is the last of Ms. Crimi's books that we'll be reading to get ready for her visit. This is another title perfect for Halloween, especially for the younger set.

Baby Mummy is not ready for bed. He wants to play one more game of 'hide and shriek'. As Baby Mummy goes looking for Big Mama Mummy, he meets all sorts of characters who tell him that the woods are too scary for a little guy like him, but he assures them he isn't scared. At least, not until he meets up with the scariest creature of the forest!

Ms. Crimi has created a charming bedtime story that's not too scary. The creatures are all getting ready for bed and doing the things little ones do, like brushing their teeth and washing their face. When the 'scary' creature is revealed, little ones will laugh at Baby Mummy's fright. The ending is just right for one more bedtime kiss before turning out the lights. Illustrator John Manders has a knack for creating silly characters; just take a look at the pirates in 'Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies' and you'll see what I mean.

Read this one with the littlest in the family and get ready to hear 'Read it again!'.

Go to Bed, Monster!

By Natasha Wing

Illustrated by Sylvie Kantorovitz

Most enjoyed by Preschool through 1st Grade

Lucy is not ready for bed; she's ready to draw. She pours out her crayons and creates a monster from simple shapes who comes alive to play. The two play until Lucy is sleepy, but Monster wants no part of going to bed. Even when Lucy draws him a bed, a drink and a cuddly teddy bear, the Monster still wants to play. When Lucy pulls out something special, though, the Monster is ready to snuggle. Can you guess what that something special is?

This is the perfect bedtime story for a little one who NEVER stalls when going to bed. Try it and see if it works!