Bear Snores On

Based on author/narrator Karma Wilson's 1982 ALA Notable picture book, illustrated by Jane Chapman, the iconographic-animated Bear Snores On tells a rhyming tale of one bear's hibernation being interrupted by a parade of woodland creatures—mouse, hare, badger, gopher, mole, wren, and raven—who enter the ursine den and party down with popcorn and tea…while bear snores on. At least, that is, until a stray bit of pepper wafts into the unwitting host's nose—causing him to sneeze, wake up, roar and rant, and paint the cave red with the blood of trespassing critters—wait, that's not what happened: the bear is initially displeased, but then he goes off on a preschool-friendly crying jag because he missed the fun; fortunately, the animals have more supplies on hand, and the celebration resumes. Backed by a cute score by John Jennings, Bear Snores On is a charming—if ultimately rather lightweight—story about sharing. Recommended for larger collections. Aud: K, P. (R. Pitman)