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Richard Jones
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Alice B. McGinty
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A Story for Small Bear Hardcover – Picture Book, October 13, 2020

by Alice B. McGinty (Author), Richard Jones (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
Editors' pick Best Books Ages 3-5
See all formats and editions
In this sweet, lyrical picture book, perfect for bedtime, a playful cub prepares for hibernation, saving just enough time for Mama to share a story before they must settle down.

Autumn is ending and a chilly breeze is drifting in, which can mean only one thing-- it's time to hibernate over the long winter. But before Small Bear does, she'd like for Mama to tell her some stories. Mama agrees, with one condition: all the preparation must get done-- no dilly, no dally. So Small Bear tries to be good, venturing off to find sprigs for her winter bed, splishing and splashing in the stream, and climbing up, up, up into the tall forest trees in search of acorns. When she finally returns home, Small Bear snuggles down with Mama in their den. Did she make it back in time? "You did," Mama answers, and pulls her in close. And then Mama tells the most wonderful tale of a little bear--just like Small Bear--who, while enjoying the world around her, saved just enough time for stories.
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  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Lexile measure
    AD540L
  6. Dimensions
    10.7 x 0.41 x 10.7 inches
  7. Publisher
    Schwartz & Wade
  8. Publication date
    October 13, 2020
  9. ISBN-10
    1984852272
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1984852274
  11. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Toddler-PreS-It's late autumn, and it is time for Small Bear to settle down with her mama for the winter. Small Bear asks her mother if there will be time for stories before they must sleep, to which Mama replies that she would love that, as long as there is no dilly and no dally in their remaining preparations. Small Bear finds that there are so many fun activities and temptations to linger, but continues to remember Mama Bear's caution not to dilly or dally. Finally, they return to their den as the sun is setting, snuggle together in their spruce-bough nest, and in a sly bit of metafiction, Mama Bear begins to tell a story about a small bear who likes play, but loves time for stories. In warm autumnal hues, full-page collage illustrations resembling torn tissue paper enhance the lyrical story and invoke a cozy atmosphere. The subtle message about self-regulation and working toward earned rewards is an additional bonus. VERDICT This is a lovely, feel-good addition to the hibernation-themed canon, to be savored during story times or one-on-one sharing at bedtime.-Jessica Marie, Salem P.L., ORα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

Praise for A Story for Small Bear:

“The perfect book for fall, A Story for Small Bear has a simple message: Winter may be coming, but everything will be all right. Our house is cozy, you are safe, and we have plenty of stories to keep us company as we ride out the cold together.” —BookPage

“Smudgy landscapes create calming backdrops against which wildflower-filled forest scenes play out; together with McGinty’s expert prose and pacing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Alice B. McGinty's The Girl Who Named Pluto:

"An inspiring and beautifully illustrated tale made all the better by its historical foundation." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Praise for Richard Jones's Whale in a Fishbowl:

"This subtle, satisfying narrative will be especially appealing to introspective readers who yearn for something that's perhaps yet unknown." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The tale of how the solitary Wednesday discovers the sea and her destiny is heartwarming, and readers will cheer for her." —Booklist, starred review

"By reaching for emotional rather than documentary truth, this team explores the injustice of captivity with a gentle touch." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This moving tale of longing and belonging is sure to prompt introspection, likely making it a popular choice for independent reading as well as reading aloud." —The Bulletin, starred review

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Schwartz & Wade; Illustrated edition (October 13, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1984852272
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1984852274
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD540L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.7 x 0.41 x 10.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Richard Jones

    Richard Jones

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    Born in Warwickshire, Richard Jones has been living and working in Devon for over 20 years.

    After graduating with a first class degree in Graphic Design and Illustration, he stayed on a little longer to complete a PhD.

    His illustrated books include; The Child of Dreams by Irena Brignull with Walker Books. Our Planet, The One Place We All Call Home, by Matt Whyman with Harper Collins and The Proper Way To Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems, edited by Paul Janeczko with Candlewick and Walker Books.

    His picture book The Snow Lion, by Jim Helmore, published in 2017 with Simon and Schuster and has been published in 20 languages.

    He has written and illustrated three picture books of his own, Perdu (2020), Little Bear (2021) and Where Have You Been, Little Cat? (August 2022)

    For more information take a look at www.paintedmouse.com

    Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @apaintedmouse

    See more on the author's page
  2. Alice B. McGinty

    Alice B. McGinty

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Alice B. McGinty is the award-winning author of 50 fiction and nonfiction books for children. She loves to write! Here are her most recent books: 2020 Jr. Library Guild Selection, The Water Lady (Schwartz and Wade Books, illustrated by Shonto Begay), Kirkus Best Book of 2020 A Story for Small Bear (Schwartz and Wade Books, illustrated by Richard Jones), The Sea Knows (2020, Simon and Schuster, with co-author Alan Havis, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis), 2019 Jr. Library Guild Selection, The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney (Schwartz and Wade, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle), 2019 Northern Lights Book Award Winner (food category) Pancakes to Parathas: Breakfast Around the World (Little Bee, illustrated by Tomoko Suzuki), 2015 Sydney Taylor Notable book, Rabbi Benjamin’s Buttons (Charlesbridge, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt) and the picture book biography, Gandhi: A March To the Sea (Amazon Children’s Publishing, illustrated by Thomas Gonzales), which was awarded as an honor book for the 2014 South Asia Book Award for Children’s And Young Adult Literature. Her picture book biography, Darwin (2009, Houghton Mifflin, illustrated by Mary Azarian) received a 2010 Orbis Pictus Honor, and was listed on Booklist's 2009 Top Ten Biographies for Youth. Other publications include Eliza’s Kindergarten Pet (2010, Two Lions Press, illustrated by Nancy Speir), Thank You, World (2007, Dial Books, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin), and nonfiction books on subjects ranging from nutrition to tarantulas.

    Alice looks forward to the upcoming release of these books: Step by Step (August, 2021, Simon and Schuster, illustrated by Diane Goode), Bathe the Cat (Fall, 2021, Chronicle Books, illustrated by David Roberts), My Israel and Me (Fall 2021, Kalaniot Books, illustrated by Rotem Terplow), A Synagogue Just Like Home (Spring, 2022, Candlewick Press, illustrated by Laurel Molk) and Truck Says Moo (Chronicle Books, illustrated by Camille Garoche).

    Alice was born in Minneapolis Minnesota and has lived in New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Maryland, Georgia, Indiana, and Illinois. She’s been in Illinois for over 25 years now!

    A frequent presenter at schools and conferences, Alice was awarded the 2017 Prairie State Award for excellence in writing for children.

    Alice loves to hike, play the guitar, dance, and read. She’s also a writing teacher and coach, runs a writing camp for teens, is a children's book reviewer for the Champaign-Urbana News Gazette, and is a Regional Adviser Emerita for the Illinois Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
31 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

MG
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Accompaniment to Hibernation Unit!
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
Small Bear wants to hear stories before it's time for winter slumber, but there are things to get done first. Mama reminds Small Bear that if they get ready without dillying or dallying, there will be time for stories. Small Bear is sweet and curious and Mama is gentle and firm. The beautiful illustrations depict the time of day as well as inside and outside. A Story for Small Bear accompanied the Hibernation theme I explored with my preschool students, and they loved this book.
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Elise
5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute book, helps put them to sleep!
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023
Cute book- beautiful illustrations and great bedtime read. It puts my son to sleep every night!
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Olivia F.
5.0 out of 5 stars lovely bedtime book
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2020
A STORY FOR SMALL BEAR is a beautifully illustrated picture book about saving time for the things that matter. As Small Bear and Mama get ready to hibernate for the winter, Small Bear wants to hear one of her mother's stories. Mama will tell her a story if she finishes all the things she needs to get done before they hibernate with enough time. Small Bear tends to dilly-dally, so she must stay focused on her tasks and get them done with enough time left over for Mama's story. The book ends with a sweet snuggle as Small Bear and Mama settle down for a story before sleep.

What I loved: The illustrations in this book are really gorgeous with full page colors and muted tones that are perfect for bedtime. Small Bear diligently goes about her tasks while also reminding herself not to dilly or dally to save time for the things she really values - stories with her mother. This is a sweet book about parental bonding, bedtime, and staying focused. The refrain of "no dilly, no dally" is a fun way to suggest staying on track. With a lyrical tone that flows smoothly in the story, this is great for soft reading at bedtime to lead into sleep. The amount of text on each page is perfect, making sure the pages don't turn too quickly or too slowly.

Final verdict: A fantastic bedtime story, A STORY FOR SMALL BEAR conveys messages of love, focus, and making time for the things that matter. Highly recommend for Small Bears that need some help to stay focused and love to snuggle.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
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Kelsey
5.0 out of 5 stars The current favorite around here
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2022
My 2.5 year old is currently on a big kick with reading this book. The pages have the perfect amount of text to hold my child’s attention.

A number of interesting things have happened with reading this book. On his own, my son now refers to himself as Small Bear and called me Mama Bear this morning. I see him mimicking the lines from the book when he is looking for me in the house, saying “Mama, Mama, Where are you Mama?” The message to save time for things that matter has also resonated with my little one, as we’ve started to say “No dilly, no dally” when we are trying to move things along (i.e. picking up toys before we get to watch a show or goofing off before we get to read stories before bed) to get to do something my child enjoys. I’ve seen that this book has been helpful in internalizing this message. We have read it enough now that my child reads it to me.

Like other reviewers have noted, this book is beautifully illustrated in a sophisticated color scheme. I’m an artist as well, and I love the tones, patterns, and textures used here.

All together, we’ve really been enjoying this book! Highly recommend for your little Bear.
One person found this helpful
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Catherine
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2022
I was gifted this book, and am glad I was. My daughter absolutely loves it, and it’s been a recent favorite. Beautiful illustrations and a lovely story! I was surprised to see this wasn’t a more popular book with more reviews, I’m very happy to add it to our library. Highly recommend.
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nikky
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story, beautifully illustrated
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2021
This is such a sweet book, with beautiful illustrations. Just love it.
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