About this item
PreSchool-Grade 2-On a winter's eve, as a bear sleeps in his cozy cave, a cold-eared hare creeps in to snuggle in his soft fur. Several animals join her to warm up various extremities. Each time she warns, "-don't wake up the bear!" A mouse is the last to arrive, curling up in his ear. However she develops the sniffles and lets loose a loud sneeze. The lumbering creature wakes up and growls and the animals scatter. The bear merely trudges off and snacks on some berries. Murray's tale is written in clear language and repetitive refrains. Wittmann's large watercolors adeptly depict the frigid landscape as oversized snowflakes float in and around the text. The animals are naturalistically rendered and have slightly humanized facial expressions. While this story is not highly original, its reassuringly predictable suspense and satisfying ending make for a fun winter read-aloud.
About the Author
Marjorie Dennis Murray is the author of several acclaimed books for children. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa. where, at the age of 3, she was placed in an orphanage and remained there until she was 12. Eventually she attended the University of Pittsburgh where she graduated with two degrees and high honors. After working at several unfulfilling jobs she discovered that she was an authentic "kid at heart", and her true calling was to write books for children. She now works (happily) as an Assistant Teacher in a preschool. She is very good at mixing paints, tying shoes, and helping children feel comfortable at school. Marjorie Dennis Murray is the author of the very well-reviewed and popular picture book, Halloween Night; as well as Hippo Goes Bananas!, a Children's Choice Book of the Year; Don't Wake Up the Bear!, an International Reading Assoc. Choice; and one of Disney Online's Best Books of 2002, Little Wolf and the Moon.
