Bear Snores On

The image of a bear hibernating through a long and snowy winter is a cozy one. The arrival of non-hibernating animals seeking refuge is highly plausible, as is the depth of the bear's sleep. Let the fun begin! A few tasty treats shared among a few friends make for merry festivities. The author allows young listeners to appreciate the rhyme and beat of the story, to soak in the humor, and to admire the illustrations. She is gruff yet tender as the hero who first awakens rudely and then appreciates the moment. She gives sparkle to supporting creatures such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. Music and sound effects complete the recording. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine


The image of a bear hibernating through a long and snowy winter is a cozy one. The arrival of non-hibernating animals seeking refuge is highly plausible, as is the depth of the bear's sleep. Let the fun begin! A few tasty treats shared among a few friends make for merry festivities. The author allows young listeners to appreciate the rhyme and beat of the story, to soak in the humor, and to admire the illustrations. She is gruff yet tender as the hero who first awakens rudely and then appreciates the moment. She gives sparkle to supporting creatures such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. Music and sound effects complete the recording. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

November 26, 2001
The title also serves as the book's refrain: because he's hibernating, the fluffy, snoring Bear remains oblivious as Mouse, Hare, Badger, Mole, Wren and Raven seek refuge in his cave from the blowing snow and frigid temperatures. Working in soft-textured acrylics, Chapman (Happy and Honey) makes both the biting weather and the warm, womb-like shelter of Bear's cave palpable. The once bedraggled animals perk up considerably, and first-time author Wilson describes the ensuing high spirits with a musical flair: "They tweet and they titter./ They chat and they chitter./ But the bear snores on." There's a moment of tension when Bear unexpectedly wakes up and the uninvited guests wonder if they'll be evicted. But Wilson demonstrates how well she knows her audience: the bear only bemoans the fact that he slept through all the fun; the unwitting host proves that he may be the biggest party animal of all. Ages 3-7.

As Bear hibernates through the winter, mouse and an ever increasing group of his friends take advantage of the comforts in Bear's cave. Bear is oblivious to the foods being assembled, roasted, and feasted upon within a paw's reach. Bear snores on--until the seasonings for a stew change all that. A few moments of growling give way to midwinter merriment. John McDonough brings distinction to each of the den's occupants. He narrates a great gruff bear, a fine squeaky mouse, and a muttering mole, emphasizing the rhyme and using pauses to heighten the drama. His narration is as pleasurable as the tale. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine