Kids Are Adoring This Bear Who Is Snoring

It's January, and the weather outside is the sort that makes me seriously consider hibernation as a winter occupation. Oh, it's beautiful outdoors... but sooo cold. And the temptation is great to pile on the fleece blankets in substitution for a heavy coat of shaggy fur. This contemplation is silly, of course; I can't afford to sleep through the winter. And though it's in his nature to let those snowy days pass by as he naps, Bear, the charming star of three Karma Wilson books, has reason to stay awake for at least one winter occasion as well. If only it weren't so hard to do...

In Bear Snores On, the first of Karma Wilson's inspired collaborations with illustrator Jane Chapman, we come upon Bear in his cave, slumbering away. He certainly doesn't look too intimidating all snuggled up like that, but this is a very large creature, so we wonder a bit at the boldness of all the small animals that gather in his lair for a little get-together. First tiny, delicate Mouse, then gregarious Hare and generous Badger show up to get the party started, and soon they are joined by Gopher, Mole, Raven and Wren. Soon they're all huddled together by a crackling fire. But have they forgotten whose home they have crashed? What will happen if Bear wakes up?

I can't decide which part of this book entrances me more, the writing or the illustrations. Chapman's acrylics are warm and inviting - except for the snow, which is frigidly blustery - and her furry friends expressive and cuddly. The central position of the teapot atop the bubbling fire and the fact that three species prominently featured in Brian Jacques' Redwall series are included makes me think of England, which is appropriate since Chapman is English, though Wilson is American. Her lilting rhymes, along with the repeated phrase of "the bear snores on," draw the reader in as cozily as the fire the furry fellows build. The story is simple, but it weaves an undeniable enchantment that is especially impressive considering that this is Wilson's first book.

Because we do not actually meet Bear in an awake form until the end of the book, there is a degree of suspense here. We don't know for sure if the animals know Bear and feel comfortable sharing his home or if they just assume that he won't wake up so they don't need to worry about it. Our initial encounter with the suddenly wakened Bear is intimidating. But given the tone of the rest of the book, I doubt this page will cause too much of a fright for youngsters, especially since it follows a gigantic-sized sneeze likely to provide enough giggles to last for a couple of pages.

This is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a frosty day like today. You can't help but fall in love with Wilson's lyrical storytelling style and Chapman's enchanting illustrations. And happily, there are several more books where this came from; I couldn't bear it if Wilson and Chapman stopped here!