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! (Ages 4 to 8)

Language Arts.
"These tender and eloquent stories about Little Bear (the first Harper I Can Read Book) are told with a forthright simplicity that is never forced or artificially repetitious."

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.

About the Author
Else Holmelund Minarik first introduced readers to her timeless character in the classic Little Bear. The book's publication, with illustrations by Maurice Sendak, launched the I Can Read series. This much-loved author continues to write stories for children at her home in New Hampshire.

ANNOTATION

Here are four stories about Little Bear and his mother, who is always there when Little Bear needs her. Beginning readers will feel a great sense of accomplishment reading each story by themselves, and will enjoy Little Bear￯﾿ﾽs adventures - flying to the moon, making birthday soup, and wishing for the impossible. Minarik, formerly a first-grade teacher, has captured the essence of little children perfectly in this funny, warm, and tender classic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In 1957, Harper published its first I Can Read title, Little Bear, written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Large type, simple vocabulary, chapter-like divisions, and decorative pictures made Little Bear perfect for emerging readers￯﾿ﾽthey could read the story comfortably and not feel overwhelmed by the text. Following suit came such classics as Peggy Parish's Amelia Bedelia series, Lillian Hoban's books about Arthur the monkey, and Syd Hoff's popular Danny and the Dinosaur. Many books in this series are special in the depth of emotion evoked - Little Bear, the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, and Daniel's Duck by Clyde Bulla, to name a few - and all are enjoyed by children of all ages. Preschool - Grade 1.

SYNOPSIS

Here are four stories about Little Bear and his mother, who is always there when Little Bear needs her. Beginning readers will feel a great sense of accomplishment reading each story by themselves, and will enjoy Little Bear's adventures - flying to the moon, making birthday soup, and wishing for the impossible. Minarik, formerly a first-grade teacher, has captured the essence of little children perfectly in this funny, warm, and tender classic.

FROM THE CRITICS

Virginia Haviland

A find, of proved success with the child who has first-grade reading skill. The story of Little Bear's imaginative play feels far removed from controlled vocabulary; Maurice Sendak's drawings give it special distinction. . .

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot