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• Audiobook

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's audiobooks    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Classics    7. Family - General    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Mothers and sons    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Editorial Review

This is the first I Can Read Book ever, and the first of five classic Little Bear books, expressly designed for beginning readers. Elsa Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak teamed up to create these simple stories that are deeply comforting and lovingly playful. In one story, "Birthday Soup," Little Bear cannot find his mother and presumes she has forgotten his birthday. With the prospect of guests arriving and no cake in sight, he sets out to make birthday soup (all his friends like soup). Just as the gathering is sitting down for soup, Mother Bear shows up with a big, beautiful birthday cake. "I never did forget your birthday, and I never will," she says to her son as he hugs her leg. In "Little Bear Goes to the Moon," Little Bear declares that he will fly to the moon in his new space helmet. Mother Bear tells him to be back by lunch, and he is. The gentle, teasing repartee between Little Bear and his mother will delight young readers, and the spacious layout and large type will encourage them to keep on reading! Read more

Reviews (18)

Little Bear
Dear Else Minarik,
BESTYET!
Such happy stories.My daughter learned to read with this book. My son have learning difficulties due to a heart condition and this book motivates him.
An all-time favorite
Little Bear is a book of four simple stories for beginning readers about Little Bear and his mother.In the first story, "What Will Little Bear Wear?," Little Bear's mother helps him find something to wear to keep him warm outside in the snow.In "Birthday Soup," Little Bear thinks his mother has forgotten his birthday and decides to make birthday soup for his friends.As they sit down to eat their soup, Mother Bear comes in with a birthday cake and tells him that she did not forget his birthday, and never will."Little Bear Goes to the Moon," features Little Bear going on a pretend trip to the moon wearing his new space helmet.Mother Bear has lunch waiting for him when he returns.In the last story, "Little Bear's Wish," Mother Bear tells Little Bear a bedtime story about all of the adventures he has had, providing a nice culmination to the book.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Classics    6. Family - General    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Easy Readers    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Mothers    11. Stories    12. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner   

Reviews (6)

Everyone loves little bear!
This book is beautifully written and little bear illustrations are classic!The book is small, so it works best when reading to just one or two children.A great book for preschool age children.

Strange story
I love all the other Little Bear books in her series but this one was strange.I'm sure that 30 years ago it wouldn't have seemed odd to tell your child a story about kisses being passed from one person to another but in today's age it just left a strange feeling with me esp at the part where the skunks kept kissing eachother back & forth.At least they get married at the end of the story.I took it back to the libray.Glad I didn't buy it.I own all the others she wrote however and love them.

A wonderful book for bedtime
My son, 2 1/2, loves Little Bear from the cartoons on Noggin and was thrilled that we found these books to read to him.He often selects this book (or one of the other Minarik books) from his bookcase at bedtime for my wife or I to read to him.The stories are brief but entertaining and the illustrations are rich and engaging.The books are a bit flimsy and I would prefer that they be available in a more durable format but that is a minor issue compared to the wonderful content of these books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Bears    3. Bears    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Kissing    9. Readers - Beginner    10. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner   

Reviews (3)

good stories - slightly awkward format
My 2 1/2 year old asks for these stories every night right now.The stories are mighty fine - if sort of retro - (mother bear is always baking cakes while father bear is off working) but in this case, I'm willing to overlook it because the tone is very sweet.This edition is a bit awkward - the pages are rather small and scrunched together.Still, a good buy.

12 charming tales for Little Bear fans (and their children)
Else Minarik's Little Bear is a gentle soul -- a bear cub who is a loving son to his parents, an affectionate charge to his grandparents and a good friend to Owl, Cat, Hen, Duck and Emily, the little girl who visits in the summer. The stories are filled with quiet humor, affection and imagination as Little Bear and his friends celebrate birthdays, play games, meet new friends and explore their neighborhood. Your young child will love these stories. remarkable value for Little Bear fans (and their children)
Else Minarik's Little Bear is a gentle soul -- a bear cub who is a loving son to his parents, an affectionate charge to his grandparents and a good friend to Owl, Cat, Hen, Duck and Emily, the little girl who visits in the summer.The stories are filled with quiet humor, affection and imagination as Little Bear and his friends celebrate birthdays, play games, meet new friends and explore their neighborhood.Your young child will love these stories.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family - General    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Readers - Beginner    8. SALE BOOKS   

Reviews (4)

Another good Primer from Ms. Minarik - a review of "Little Bear's Friend"
I am amazed at the sort of complex storytelling that Ms. Minarik can accomplish with fairly simple words.[Why can't more modern authors accomplish the same?!?]
charming beginning reader
These stories about Little Bear and his friend Emily are a charming introduction to the world of reading for beginners. Little Bear is a sweet child to his mother and father and a good friend to Duck, Hen, Owl and Cat. Minarik's simple narrative will be easy enough for early readers, and Sendak's illustrations will hold their attention.The four stories are: Little Bear and Emily, about the friends' meeting; Duck, Baby Sitter; The Party at Owl's House, in which Lucy falls from a tree; and "Your Friend, Little Bear", about Little Bear's coping when Emily goes away for the school year.

A wonderful rediscovery!
I just found this book in a used book store recently and I am thrilled!I remember Little Bear so well from childhood.I bought the book and it proudly sits on my shelf waiting for the day when I have a child to share it with.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Social Issues - Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (3)

We love Litte Bear
Our family adores Little Bear.These are great read aloud books and it works well to say - well, we can read this much now because it is subdivided. It will grow with your child, as it is a simple chapter book.

A great value on wonderful stories
These stories are engaging and very well written for little children.My son, who is 2 1/2, loves Little Bear and was very happy that we had books about him to read in addition to watching the cartoons on Noggin.The set has a variety of brief stories that are appropriate for small children's attention span and awareness levels.The only minor issue we have with these books is that they are a bit fimsy but that is a very minor issue given their wonderful content.

Little Bear is a Heart Warmer!
Ever since I was a little girl I've enjoyeed the Little Bear series of books. These short stories have a timeless charm that enchant both reader and listener. The stories bring to life the thoughts and experiences ofyoung children through the main character, Little Bear,with his friends andfamily. Meeting a new friend, exploring the moon, visiting grandparents,waiting for a parent to return home from a business tripand listening tostories are some of the topics for these beautifully written stories. Onceagain I've learned to love these books all over again with my daughter. Her name is Emily and she loves hearing her name when the stories are readto her! These are wonderful stories that are just the right length for bedtime reading. Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bears    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fathers and sons    5. Fiction    6. Mothers and sons    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Animal stories    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Reviews (2)

Great book for Little Bear fans
Nice book for my Little Bear fan, but a little too short.

better board book
I gave this book 5 stars because it is not typical to get a story this sophisticated in board book format.In this series, although the stories are short and sweet, we actually get characters and a plot.In this story, Little Bear is confronted with a troubling moral dilemna, but one that all little kids who mouth the mantra "Mine! Mine! Mine!" can relate to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    4. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    5. Children: Preschool    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    9. Holidays & Festivals - Halloween    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Scarecrows    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Reviews (1)

Sweet
Little Bear couldn't be any more sweet.I love that my 2-year-old son enjoys Little Bear and isn't into something more popular for our times.Little Bear fosters his imagination and love of life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Classics    6. Father-son relationship    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Play    10. Snow    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Reviews (4)

My granddaughter and I both love it!
Our 3-year-old granddaughter just spent almost two weeks with us. Reading to her has been both a daily (several times a day!) ritual since she was a baby...as well as a source of delight for both her and us. Her favorite story is still the "Goblin Story," which appears in this book. You can easily read it to your young one so that he or she is excited, giggling, and having a wonderful experience with you!

This is a charming book that kids absolutely love!
My kids have been captivated by this book from the time they were barely old enough to look at the pictures.My oldest is almost five, and she still asks me to read this book, even though she has it memorized!It is acharming tale of Little Bear's visit to his grandparents' house.The lovein this bear family is so heartwarming, and the sense of fun so nicelyrealized that adults will love it too.Maurice Sendak's illustrations,which have a 19th Century feel, are the perfect complement to this story.My only complaint is I can't find this book in hardback, and our paperbackversion is worn out!Two other books in this series - Little Bear andLittle Bear's Friend are also great for kids from age 2 to around 7.

Readers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Little lost robins, ghastly goblins, and a grandmother's home-cooked mealdelight Little Bear during a visit to his grandparents' house.Minarik'seasy reader book features short chapters with simple sentences and a largetypeface; the beautiful illustrations expand upon the storyline whileproviding a moderate level of text support. Never-ending rows ofknick-knacks, perpetual laps to sit upon, and ceaseless supplies ofhome-baked goods enchant Little Bear as he soaks up the love around himlike a sponge.Sendak's simple, yet descriptive ink drawings furtherengage readers in this refreshing tale; they are indeed worthy of theCaldecott Honor Book award which decorates the cover.This book is idealfor both upper and lower elementary school readers.Its four chapters areepisodic, making them perfect stopping points for the lower elementaryschool reader.Moreover, when read in its entirety, Little Bear's Visitprovides the older child with a large sense of accomplishment. Grandfather's campfire-ghost tale may potentially frighten even olderreaders; however, a clear use of foreshadowing and an explicit, upbeatresolution sufficiently reassure young readers while maintaining olderchildren's excitement.Relevant to children across cultures, Little Bear'sVisit uses hugs and loving words in order to effectiely model tenderadult-child realtionships.This charming chapter narrative for beginningreaders will give Little Bear a special place in the hearts of youngchildren everywhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Fiction    7. Grandparents    8. Readers - Beginner    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Bears    3. Bears    4. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Classics    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Easy Readers    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Movie Tie - In    12. Teeth    13. Tooth Fairy    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Baby - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Classics    7. Fear    8. Fiction    9. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    10. Juvenile Easy Readers    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Masks    13. Masks (Facial)    14. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    15. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Features

• Audiobook

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Animals - General    3. Bears    4. Children's Audio - 4-8    5. Children's audiobooks    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Fiction    8. Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Readers - Beginner    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Animals - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Classics    6. Juvenile Easy Readers    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Celebrations - Birthdays    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Nonreligious    7. Juvenile Easy Readers    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Reviews (2)

one that I have to hide
We have just about every Little Bear book and this one can be dangerous. I love all the others, and we read them often. This one however, we hide. My four yr old has gotten it into her head that if one bad thing happens, she is having a bad day. Th previous review tells you what happens, and how Little Bear is cheared up in the end. But it doesn't work for my daughter. So a little beware for those with kids who like to imitate their favorite characters. If it were not for her reaction to it, I would give it 5 stars, it is a good book that shows that even a bad day can be good because you have friends who love you. My daughter just ignores the last couple of pages though.

just like the show!!
Little Bear is having a bad day.It starts when he gets out of bed and bumps his nose.Then he spills his milk, spills his paints, and loses his kite.He thinks that everything he does goes wrong.His friends remind him that he was still a good friend and it makes them happy to be with him.He decides that they are right. This story shows that no matter what happensyou can count on friends and family to cheer you up.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Bears    3. Bears    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Movie Tie - In    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Social Issues - Friendship    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - Parents    6. Father's Day    7. Father-son relationship    8. Fathers and sons    9. Fiction    10. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Nonreligious    11. Juvenile Easy Readers    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Preschool Story Books    15. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Family - General    6. Fathers and sons    7. Fiction    8. Fishing    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Classics    6. Cold (Disease)    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mother-son relationship    10. Sick    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Reviews (1)

time for breakfast
It's breakfast time at Little Bear's House.Little Bear wakes up Father Bear very early.He wants to cook a surprise breakfast for Mama Bear.Little Bear helps make the flapjacks.Mama Bear is very pleased and surprised when she wakes up.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Animals - General    3. Bears    4. Children's 4-8 - Boardbooks    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Classics    7. Cookery    8. Fathers and sons    9. Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Pancakes, waffles, etc    12. Pancakes, waffles, etc.    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears   

Features

• Illustrated