Toddler-PreS–Rhythmic rhyming verse brings a series of concerned animals into the burrow of a wakeful bear in a board book version of a popular picture book. Try as they might, the plucky crew simply cannot get their furry friend to go to sleep. Finally, the bear grows impatient and lights on a creative solution: he turns bedtime into story time, entertaining his companions and distracting himself long enough for sleepiness to kick in at last. Wilson’s evocative word choices and Chapman’s richly textured art convey a palpable warmth amid an air of wintry chill.

VERDICT Bouncy rhythm and rhyme coupled with a catchy refrain make this a surefire read-aloud hit.