A Bed for Bear

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

What's a bear to do when he doesn't want to sleep in his own bed, where it is too noisy, too big and too crowded?? Find a better bed of course...Bernard sets off on a adventure into the forest looking for a "better" place to sleep for the winter. Exploring other animal habitats is fun but none seem quite right. Too windy, too wet, too crowded, too lonely, Bernard is at a loss until the little mouse that has been following him brings him full circle back to where he started. Dry, calm, lots of space and plenty of company, Bernard is back in his bear den snuggled up with his family. The simple text with plenty of repetition works well with the warm crayon & watercolor cutouts that utilize plenty of white space. Although there is nothing groundbreaking with the story, this first book by author-illustrator Clive McFarland is a sweet bedtime story that readers will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good