Wide-Awake Bear

The adorable, relatable bedtime story of a baby bear who can’t fall asleep, from the award-winning author of Sophie’s Squash, Pat Zietlow Miller, and debut artist Jean Kim.

Every baby bear knows the warmth of spring only comes after sleeping through the cold of winter. For little cub Elliott, however, it’s not that easy. First, something tickles his nose, rousing him from a dream, and then every shadow, noise, and passing thought keeps him up. No amount of fluffing of his pillow or tossing and turning will help. He even tries nudging his mom out of her slumber! But he’s…Still. Wide. Awake.

Artist Jean Kim infuses Pat Zietlow Miller’s charming text with cozy warmth and playful humor. This beautiful picture book will be a favorite bedtime story for children, adults, and baby bears alike!

“The refrain, poetic imagery, and well-paced sentences make this a smooth read-aloud. Kim’s soft, digitally colored graphite pencil illustrations evoke the comfort of the winter cave. A warm, cozy counterpoint to Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman’s Bear Snores On.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Debut illustrator Kim textures her digitally colored images with soft graphite, and her bears are smooth and roly-poly.” - Publishers Weekly

“Kim’s illustrations are lovable and uncomplicated. A gentle tale that makes for a good bedtime read-aloud any time of year.”   - School Library Journal