Baby Bear's Big Dreams

Baby Bear

by Jane Yolen, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)

Baby Bear knows that big bears get to have all the fun. They get to stay up late, live in toy stores, go exploring by themselves, and eat dessert . . . all day long! Baby Bear plans to do each of those things--and more--when he grows up. But at the end of the day, even the biggest bears still get to come home to tell of their grown-up adventures.

This third Baby Bear collaboration between Jane Yolen and Melissa Sweet is a wonderful tribute to imagination and perfectly captures the spirit of youngsters who wish they could make all the rules.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a wee bit jealous of baby bear - for one, I want to live in his house. I love Melissa Sweet's illustrations and I don't think you can get enough of Baby Bear be it his chairs or his dreams or whatever. I also love her website with the dog on it.
When I win the lottery, I think I will ask her to illustrate my life - house, dogs, kids, etc. Then I will get to live inside a Melissa Sweet book as well.
One can dream.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby Bear knows what he is going to do when he grows up in a year or two; he’s going to play all day, stay up late, and do what big bears do. Sweet story in rhyme about the plans of a young bear thinking about all he can do as he gets older. Great illustrations.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minus one full star for the lines "I'll live in a shop that's filled with toys—some for girls and a LOT for boys." Sigh. At least make it ironic somehow?

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for storytime 9/7/22.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

WD in WI

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Julia and I read this back to back with Baby Bear's Books and felt much the same way about both. They're both in the "better" category when it comes to Yolen books. It seems more and more (and more and more a few more times for effect) Yolen's books haven't been hitting the mark.
IMO this is where she's the master. This and the other one linked here aren't my Yolen favorites but they are among the same type.
This is super sweet, the rhymes are simple and total fun to read (and hear) out loud, and the illustrations, by Melissa Sweet are the perfect compliment.
If all of Yolen's books were like this we'd read them one by one until we finished and then start all over.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book when I was getting ready for my Toddler Bear Storytime and just had to read it aloud. It is an adorable book about growing up, or at least what a small bear believes happens when you grow up and outlines all the things he will do. He's going to bed late, not picking up his toys because he's going to play all the time, living in a treehouse surrounded by honey and berries and writing his "grown up" poem. Recommended for ages 2-6, 3 stars.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby bear writes a growing poem about all the exciting things he will do when he is a big bear. Mama and Papa bear are still there at the end to love and support him, even though he is grown. A nice story that builds on Baby Bear's growth year to year. Lovely illustrations by Melissa Sweet.

[Rachel Rouleau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I'm sure the author only did this just because it rhymed, but why does the toy shop have only a few for girls and LOTS for boys? Why can't the toys be for both?

The illustrations were very cute and colorful though.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars A cute book about a bear dreaming of the things he will do when he gets bigger. When we are kids we can't wait to grow up and when we are grown up we can't wait to be kids.

Sweet, fuzzy pictures and a fun story. I need another word for cute...tender, soft, lovely... :-)

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby bear has big dreams of how he wants his life to be.

Talking points - do you think you are more or less likely to accomplish your dreams if you write them down and tell them to someone? What are some of your dreams? What would you like your world to be like in 1 year? 5? 10? 25?

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect rhymes, fun pictures and a story that really reflects little one's point of view. Another winner from the ever prolific Yolen.

[Melanie]

Peter especially enjoys the baby bear books

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be rather bland.

[Krystyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great bedtime story tonight. Full of rhyming words, which is always a bonus with me, and wonderful story about what baby bear will do at various ages as he grows. Love it!!

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

for a book of this kind, this is super sweet. Both kids love the pictures. The Rhyming is simple, but perfect for young kids.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good "When I Grow Up" book

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming tale about a bear who doesn't want to put away his toys, go to bed early etc. Very cute

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed media and collage on paper
Rhyming text
2007