book cover

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth

Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+

Published by Walker Books, 2013

  • Classics
  • Picture books

About this book

Little Bear just can't get to sleep because he is afraid of the dark. Big Bear is patient and brings bigger and bigger lanterns to keep away the darkness. Still Little Bear is afraid, so Big Bear takes him outside to see the moon and the stars. Finally, cuddled up in Big Bear's arms, Little Bear goes to sleep, allowing Big Bear to finish reading his book. This is a timeless classic, pictures and text beautifully complementing each other. Included in this edition is a CD with the story read by Martin Jarvis. This is a well-paced reading with a few effects to evoke a warm and friendly cave. Ideal for parents and children together or for the classroom listening corner.

About the author

Martin was read to a lot as a child by people who knew how to read stories. These stories came alive, and the love of story has stayed with him ever since.

He lives where he lived as a child, and nearly all of his stories come from things that have happened to him there, at the foot of the Mountain of Mourne. He works in an old stone barn beside his home, and dreams stories in the garden and on long walks on the beach in front of the house. He never writes anywhere else. This is where he belongs.

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