Book Description

Grandmother likes Little Bear's picture so much she sends him a thank you kiss. "Will you take it to him, Hen?" she says. Hen passes the kiss to Frog who passes it to Cat who passes it to Little Skunk until Hen decides there is too much kissing -- and finally gives the kiss to the Little Bear.

Reviews (4)

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.

cute story for beginning readers and/or Little Bear fans
This story about Little Bear is a charming introduction to the world of reading for beginners, especially for those who are already familiar with this gentle cub and his friends. Little Bear is a sweet child to his mother and father, and a good friend to Duck, Hen and Cat. Minarik's simple narrative will be easy enough for young readers, and Sendak's illustrations will hold their attention.

In this story, Little Bear draws a picture for his grandmother, and asks Hen to take it to her. When Grandmother sends a kiss back to Little Bear, Hen carries it until she sees some friends, then she passes it along to Frog, who carries it until he sees a pond and passes it on to Cat .... This is a fun story with a few simple lines and large illustrations on each page. Kids will enjoy the funny ending (and so will you).

My daughter showed real interest in learning how to read
My daughter is 5 years old . She watches Little Bear on T.V. and wants to learn how to read this book because of the show . I will buy more of these books soon as long as she is interested in them . I will also buy them for my niece and nephew as well . I really like the easy to read words that don't discourage kids from wanting to learn to read .The paperback books are easy to take with us . Thank you ,

One of the cutest books I've ever read
This book is cute and funny! The way the animals pass on the kiss and little bear receives it makes this story one of my favorites. The Little Bear series is one of the best. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Bear meets Emily, a human girl, and her doll. ‘Once again Little Bear proves himself to be as wistful and tender a little creature as exists in the child’s library.’ —K.

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Reviews (3)

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.

This book will give you warm fuzzys! Else has created a wonderfully warm, sweet and adorable book with cute characters.

You and your child will really enjoy it! Don't pass it up!

A childhood treasure waiting to be discovered
As a little girl in the early 1960's, Little Bear's Friend was one of my favorite books. What a joy to discover that this old friend is still available for my three year old daughter to enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

Little Bear and his friends are on hand to welcome Father Bear home from his fishing trip. ‘Little Bear has endeared himself as a character with irresistible, child-like charm.’ —H.

Notable Children's Books of 1940–1970 (ALA)
1960 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
Best Illustrated Children's Books of 1959 (NYT) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

great classics
WE HAVE HAD THE LITTLE BEAR BOOK FATHER BEAR COMES HOME FOR AT LEAST TWENTY YEARS,AND WE STILL LOVE IT! I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER LITTLE BEAR BOOK FOR MY NEICE, AND AM WAITING FOR IT TO COME. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A GREAT BOOK YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THESE!

Father Bear Comes Home
There are 4 different stories in this book. My favorite was Little Bear's Mermaid. I liked when Little Bear saw the mermaid when his mom and dad were sleeping. I also liked when Little Bear went fishing. Other kids will like this book because it has many stories in it.

Only the best
The Little Bear saga are truly classic. From the artwork and storylines you think you are reading a Victorian era storybook. No your grandmother didn't read these stories to you. Soon enough we will be reading them to our grandchildren. Buy the hardback versions, your grandkids will love them.

It is about a bear
I loved this book. I Could read it over and over and never get bored. Ilike all of the Little bear books.They let me use my imagination. Just keep on writing more,okay! ... Read more

Book Description

Meet Little Bear, a friend to millions of children. And meet Mother Bear, who is there whenever Little Bear needs her. When it is cold and snowy outside, she finds just the right outfit for Little Bear to play in. When he goes to the moon, she has a hot lunch waiting for him on his return. At night she helps him get to sleep. And, of course, she never forgets his birthday.

Reviews (12)

Little Bear is Awesome!
This book is great for kids just learning to read. The pictures are fun to look at, and kids will have fun reading the book. I thought it was a good idea to put different stories into one book so kids can choose what the want to read on their own.

a favorite at our house
Our daughter is 2 1/2 and loves all the stories in this book. She asks to have Little Bear for her bedtime story several nights a week. She even acts out some of the stories in her pretend play and "does" the things that Little Bear does, like going to the moon and making Birthday Soup. This book is certainly a family favorite.

Little Bear
This book is about a little bear that goes outside and plays in the snow. He also goes to the moon and meets a moon mother. On his birthday he makes birthday soup for his friends because he thinks his mom forgot it was his birthday. He has trouble going to sleep so he makes wishes and one of them come true. Then they talk about all of the events that already happened in the story. The lesson this book teaches is that you should have fun and listen to your parents. THE AGE LEVEL IS UNDER 7

four charming Little Bear stories
These four stories about Little Bear and his friends 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 and Cat. Minarik's simple narrative will be easy enough for young readers, and Sendak's illustrations will hold their attention. The four stories are: What Will Little Bear Wear?, Birthday Soup, Little Bear Goes to the Moon and Little Bear's Wish.

A soothing alternative to ninjas and power rangers.

Sweet moments and memories
The lovely and sweet stories easily capture the attention of my three-year old daughter (who has English as her second language). The stories are beautifully read out, with wonderful background music. Almost every night my daughter and I listen to several Little Bear stories before she goes to bed. We will often discuss the stories afterwards. This is the closest and most cherishable moment between us. The unfortunate thing is that she is most unwilling to turn off the cassette player, which somehow often delay her time for bed. ... Read more

Book Description

Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak have again combined their talents to make a book filled with laughter and adventure. Children will love to find out why Rosa and Willy are like two little alligators (and why Lightfoot and Quickfoot are like two little children!)

They will enjoy the delightful story, be enchanted by the joyous pictures, and thrilled to have another book of which they can truly say, "I Can Read!"

Reviews (3)

Cute story - poor quality
I was looking for a book with this subject for my 4 y.o. and bought this one based on the title and the description. It is not a morality tale although the story is cute and my son, who is just starting to read, liked being able to identify some of the words. The quality is terrible, though. On some pages the text is centered on the page but on others you really have to bend the spine to see the letters which flow from the very center to the very edge of the page.

No Fighting, No Biting!
"Please sit with us, Cousin Joan," little Rosa and Willy ask their older cousin.
"I am reading," she replies.
Willy and Rosa sit down next to her and begin to bicker. They complain to Cousin Joan about all the squeezing, pinching, and teasing that has been going on between them on the couch. Cousin Joan compares the two children to little baby alligators.
The children are appalled by this idea. They do not see how they are like little alligators. Cousin Joan continues, by telling them about two young alligators named, Light-Foot and Quick-Foot.
The children enjoy the stories Joan tells them, but they still continue to fight. However, after Rosa looses a tooth it seems like the children grasp and understand Cousin Joan's comparison between them and Light-Foot and Quick-Foot.
Cousin Joan asks them if they are still fighting. "No, No, No. No fighting," they reply.
She asks them if they are still biting. "No, No, No. No biting," they say. The children sit in peace.
I thought that this story was very nice. It seemed to remind me of my sister and me a lot. We always end of fighting, and sometimes, yes, biting!
Even though the story is cute, and realistic, I believe that it is kind of hard to follow. It jumps back and forth from Willy and Rosa to Light-Foot and Quick-Foot. I had to re-read a few passages from the story, just to understand it. So, I do not believe that the story has been constructed very well. But besides that, and overall, it was nice.

Blast from the Past
Now that I am 19 and in my second year of college, as an English major I must read alot of books. During my Children's Lit class we had to go over our fondest childhood books. This book was allways my favourite as a child and the only copy I had was begining to disintigrate so I had to get it! I allways loved the illustrations and the development of a story withing a story. The rivaling brother and sister reminded me so much of my own siblings. The thing I was looking forward to the most about reading it again is the ending. The copy I had as a child had the last few pages torn out, so it will be all new to me! ... Read more

Book Description

Mother Bear is in for a breakfast surprise when Little Bear and Father Bear make their famous flying flapjacks. Join father and son in the kitchen as they create a delicious treat!

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.

The book is a good story for early readers. The book is made of sturdy board pages and will last through many readings. The size is just right for little hands.

I would recommed this book to others. Fans of the Little Bear show on Nick Jr. will enjoy reading about their favorite characters. Even my sister (13 months) enjoyed hearing this book. She turned the pages herself and pretended to read it. ... Read more

Book Description

‘Mrs. Minarik is at her superb best in depicting the charming childlikeness of Little Bear’s delight in visiting his grandparents.’ —H.

1962 Caldecott Honor Book
Notable Children's Books of 1963 (ALA) ... Read more

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 a charming tale of Little Bear's visit to his grandparents' house. The love in this bear family is so heartwarming, and the sense of fun so nicely realized 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 paperback version is worn out! Two other books in this series - Little Bear and Little 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 meal delight Little Bear during a visit to his grandparents' house. Minarik's easy reader book features short chapters with simple sentences and a large typeface; the beautiful illustrations expand upon the storyline while providing a moderate level of text support. Never-ending rows of knick-knacks, perpetual laps to sit upon, and ceaseless supplies of home-baked goods enchant Little Bear as he soaks up the love around him like a sponge. Sendak's simple, yet descriptive ink drawings further engage readers in this refreshing tale; they are indeed worthy of the Caldecott Honor Book award which decorates the cover. This book is ideal for both upper and lower elementary school readers. Its four chapters are episodic, making them perfect stopping points for the lower elementary school reader. Moreover, when read in its entirety, Little Bear's Visit provides the older child with a large sense of accomplishment. Grandfather's campfire-ghost tale may potentially frighten even older readers; however, a clear use of foreshadowing and an explicit, upbeat resolution sufficiently reassure young readers while maintaining older children's excitement. Relevant to children across cultures, Little Bear's Visit uses hugs and loving words in order to effectiely model tender adult-child realtionships. This charming chapter narrative for beginning readers will give Little Bear a special place in the hearts of young children everywhere.

Good beginner book. Very touching
Little Bear visits Grandma and Grandpa Bear. Tells a story about Little Bears mom and a story about a scared Goblin. I'm 9 and still like this book. ... Read more

Book Description

All of Little Bear's friends and family have gathered for dinner. Everyone is having a wonderful time. But when they hear an odd noise, Little Bear finds out that they have an unexpected guest for dinner -- a cricket!

Book Description

Little Bear's garden grows many things -- roses and daisies and snapdragons. It is also producing something you wouldn't expect -- butterflies! Join Little Bear as he learns that the friendly caterpillars in his garden grow up to be something completely different.

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.

The book itself is a great value. Cover art lies directly on a sturdy binding, and this volume contains the complete contents of three books: Little Bear, Little Bear's Friend and Little Bear's Visit. That's twelve stories, with charming illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

Lovely book, terrific value.

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.

The book itself is a great value. Cover art lies directly on a sturdy binding, and this volume contains the complete contents of three books: Little Bear, Little Bear's Friend and Little Bear's Visit. That's twelve stories, with charming illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

Lovely book, terrific value. ... Read more

Book Description

It's Mother's Day and Little Bear wants to give Mother Bear the best picnic ever. He and Father Bear get to work, but will they be able to surprise Mother Bear?

Book Description

Father Bear is away on a fishing trip, and Little Bear misses him terribly. Little Bear decides to stay up all night and watch the sunrise -- just like Father Bear does. But Mother Bear doesn't like this one bit because little bears need their sleep!

Book Description

It's Father's Day and Little Bear wants to have a special day with Father Bear. Everything is perfect when they set off on a fishing trip, until all of Father Bear's friends tag along. Little Bear wanted to have Father Bear all to himself. What shall he do?

Book Description

Before setting off for his grandmother's house, Little Bear loads his wagon with delicious things to eat. As he walks, he meets up with some very hungry friends. What will this generous bear cub do?

Book Description

Who can resist throwing a snowball? Not Little Bear! On a perfect winter day, Little Bear and Father Bear discover that the snow is just right for making snowballs. Who will throw the first one?

Book Description

Little Bear has a loose tooth that just won't fall out. Emily, Cat, Duck, and Owl each have a plan to make it fall out. Will Little Bear ever have something for the tooth fairy?

Book Description

The pie that Mother Bear baked for Father Bear is missing. Where can it be? Join Little Bear and his friends as they look high and low for clues to the mystery of the missing pie!

Reviews (2)

A disappointment for Minarik fans.
I loved the first 5 Little Bear books. Minarik and Sendak were a great team. These are kid's books, suitable for beginning readers, but still quite entertaining for adults. The characters are real, the stories are engaging, with clever and subtle details, and the writing is first-rate. They are at the top of my list of really good kid's books.

Not this book, though.

There's nothing particularly terrible about this book, taken on its own. It's an ordinary, basically stupid, boring, uninspired, cutesy, insipid kid's book. You know, like a Family Circus comic, but 32 pages long. (Complete with a goody-two-shoes sappy ending.) Not vile, not evil, but just a dreadful disappointment for anybody who expected more of the real Little Bear.

I don't believe Minarik really wrote this. I can't. It must be some ghost writer using her name. Anyway, if you stumbled across this, and lit up when you saw Else Homelund Minarik's name, *don't be fooled*. Go to the library--I see there are about a dozen more in this vein. Check them out there before you lay down your dollar.

who has taken Father Bear's pie?
While Little Bear, Owl, Duck, Hen and Emily are playing hide-and-seek, someone has taken Father Bear's special pie from the windowsill. Everyone begins to look for clues in this charming Little Bear story. As usual, the ending is heartwarming and everyone is happy. Illustrations by Chris Hahner are pleasant and colorful. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Bear's day isn't going well at all.

He spills his milk and he knocks over his paint -- what will happen next? It is going to take the help of some very good friends to help Little Bear feel better after his very bad day!

Reviews (1)

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 happens you can count on friends and family to cheer you up.

This is just like the tv show. If you have seen that episode the book may bore you. ... Read more

Book Description

Springtime means sunshine, flowers, and spring cleaning. Little Bear is happy to help Mother Bear until he sees what she wants to throw out!