Nursery World - No fear!

This story about a little bear who doesn't want to go to bed because he is too afraid of the dark can, says Jane Drake, help children overcome their anxieties Martin Waddell's Can't you sleep, Little Bear? (Walker Books, 4.99) is the story of a young bear reluctant to go to bed because he is scared of the dark. Big Bear comforts him by providing bigger lanterns. Finally, Big Bear takes him out in to the night. At first Little Bear feels frightened, but as he looks around at the moonlit world, his anxiety subsides -there is nothing to fear. He is safe in the arms of Big Bear and, at last, falls asleep.

Martin Waddell's Can't you sleep, Little Bear? (Walker Books, 4.99) is the story of a young bear reluctant to go to bed because he is scared of the dark. Big Bear comforts him by providing bigger lanterns. Finally, Big Bear takes him out in to the night. At first Little Bear feels frightened, but as he looks around at the moonlit world, his anxiety subsides - there is nothing to fear. He is safe in the arms of Big Bear and, at last, falls asleep.

The story offers a sensitive approach to a common anxiety and children will readily relate to Little Bear and his delaying tactics at bedtime. Warm illustrations by Barbara Firth will delight both children and adults.

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