Horatio's Bed

by Camilla Ashforth

James the teddy bear helps his friend, a stuffed rabbit, find a suitable bed

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Michael]

This is a cute little story with soothing, old-fashioned, watercolor artwork. Horatio the bunny is having trouble sleeping and so James the teddy bear decides to make him a bed. I love that they work on this project with such industry, designing and searching through their supplies, which are all the little knick knacks and supplies you might find in a toy box. Even the fact that the toys were boys (as usual) didn't bother me so much because they were so loving to each other. Surprise ending!

[Kristina Jenny]

I love reading this book to my children. It shows, in a very small way, how to ask for help, be kind, imaginative and satisfied.

[Emily Clark]

Horatio's Bed is a book that I have had since I was little. It is a simple story, but one that I'm sure most young children would relate to, - saying they can't get comfy while trying to go sleep/trying to stay awake for as long as possible.

The book tells the tale of Horatio the little rabbit who struggles to sleep. With the help of his friend James, they try to find somewhere comfy for Horatio to sleep. After trying many different things including feathers and a drawing of a bed, James finds Horatio asleep in an old sock.

The book itself has large pictures showing Horatio and James trying different types of bed. There aren't a lot of big sentences on each page so the child/reader would not feel daunted when picking it up to read.
I feel that if the pictures were in brighter colours it would make it more interesting. the words flow well and is an easy read.

I would use this book in an early years classroom as I feel it would be a good tool to help develop their vocabulary. For this reason it could also be used in a EAL environment. The words could be used to help with pronunciation. It is a book that could be read to the whole class and could ask them questions about the different types of bed's and what other ideas they may have to help Horatio.

It will be a book that I will have in my one classroom

[Deschka]

I was reminded of this book recently and had to pull it out and reread it yet again. Not that I really needed refreshing, because the memories of the countless readings from when my children were much younger are forever etched into my conscience. This is a super sweet story with calming simple drawings. Perfect for bedtime, for teaching selflessness and compassion. My kids loved this story and picked it out many nights as part of the rotation, but unlike some other stories I read with them I was also enthralled by the subtle magic of this one.

[Ellen L. Ramsey]

A clever bedtime story. James the Bear strives to draw a bed for his friend Horatio the Rabbit. Even James’s box of Useful Things doesn’t yield the right materials for a bed, but in the end Horatio finds the perfect bed.

[Michelle]

This is a really sweet bedtime story. I didn't think I'd like it at first but it turned out to be really cute.

[Shelley]

Was my favorite book as a child! Still love to read it now as it brings back memories! will read this to my kids one day!

[Gail]

A little bit too precious, with the teddy bear and the rabbit stuffed animals.

[Janet]

Two stuffed animal friends are trying to help each other.