By Michael Rosen (author) , Daniel Egnéus (illustrator)
"A thoughtful, reassuring and utterly beautiful hibernation story"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
Hardback In Stock £12.99 £11.69
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Stunningly illustrated in the most gorgeous of autumn and winter palettes, this lyrical story would be a fabulous addition to any autumn or hibernation topic collections as well as being the perfect warm and comforting bedtime read.
Once small children become aware of dreams it can make them nervous. I have grandchildren who always ask for dream suggestions before they go to sleep, so I think Little Bear’s anxiety about the Big Sleep will resonate with readers young and old. “Sweet Dreams!” is a universal bedtime farewell.
I am sure that many adults facing a general anaesthetic also wonder anxiously if they will have pleasant dreams! The language, as one would expect from the UK’s most beloved and well-known poet is rhythmic and mesmerising. Little Bear goes in search of spare dreams in case he runs out and he asks each animal he meets.
Where one might have expected something predictable about animal antics from the Squirrel, Rabbit and Wolf, their dreams are far more thoughtful, resonating with happiness, the feeling of coming home safely and of hope. These dreams sustain Little Bear when it seems he may have been caught out by the onset of The Cold. Just enough peril to make the ending all the more warm and secure.
A classic in the making that will be a delight to share.
The Cold is coming, and it's time for Big Bear and Little Bear to get ready for the Big Sleep: for bears sleep all winter long, and wake up in the spring. But Little Bear is worried. What if they run out of dreams during the Big Sleep?
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And so, Little Bear sets out bravely to find enough dreams to see them through the long winter. On his journey, he discovers dreams of happiness; dreams of homecoming; and dreams of hope. But with the Cold approaching fast, will Little Bear make it back home in time for the Big Dreaming?
A resonant and uplifting tale from a master storyteller, The Big Dreaming is a classic in the making, filled with luminous illustrations by award-winning Daniel Egneus.
'Be ready to share a dream with the little one who asks you to read this' - Kirkus US
'Egneus's loose watercolors are gorgeous and will make readers feel as if they are in a forest ... A solid purchase for any preschool collection' - School Library Journal
'This contemplative and comforting picture book is about hibernation but also dreams and hope' - Bookseller
'A picture book of sublime warmth and comfort' - Guardian
'Gorgeous' - Observer
'A simply beautiful book for young children' - The i Newspaper
Michael Rosen is a hugely bestselling author of picture books and poetry. Michael frequently appears on radio and gives talks and lectures on children’s literature. Michael was the Children’s Laureate for 2007–2009 and the winner of the Eleanor Farjeon Award. He lives in London.
Michael Rosen on Michael Rosen: I grew up in the London suburb of Pinner, a place my parents often wondered about. How had we landed there? My parents were teachers, politically committed (socialists), and great storytellers and readers. I was lucky to have found them. Most of my adult life, I've been a freelance writer, teacher (of sorts), journalist, performer and broadcaster. I visit schools doing my one-man show, and support Arsenal Football Club. I have often written about my life and family, but I also write occasional fantasy (usually based in a real place) and non-fiction.
Things you didn't know about Michael Rosen I wear size 12 shoes. I like speaking French. I'm an atheist. I love mobile phones. I love houmous. I can't live without green warty pickled gherkins. I hate racism. My father was American. I can slide my top lip one way and my bottom lip the other. I can play the harmonica.
Photo credit Laurence Cendroicz
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The Cold is coming, and it's time for Big Bear and Little Bear to get ready for the Big Sleep: for bears sleep all winter long, and wake up in the spring. But Little Bear is worried.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Big Dreaming and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-6 years old
The Big Dreaming features in the following genres: Featured Books for 5+ readers, Recommendations, Animal Stories, Bedtime Stories for Children, Picture storybooks, Children’s picture books, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children's and Young Adult Fiction
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Big Dreaming was written by Michael Rosen and published by Bloomsbury Children's Books an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)
The Big Dreaming has 32 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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