Little Bear - Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak

Little Bear
Little Bear #1
Else Holmelund Minarik
Maurice Sendak
Harper Collins
ISBN 9780064440042

I recently read this book with my son. In many ways it was like a trip down memory lane. I remember reading these books with my youngest brother. I also remember watching the animated series with my oldest when she was young. My son and I read this book alternating pages. And we would read a chapter or two a day. He loved the stories. And we have read the book through twice now, and will likely read it many times more.

Both the author and illustrator of this book had very prolific output during their careers.  And they died just a few months apart. I know that we have read many books illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and his illustrations are wonderful.  But after read this one we will need to track down some of the 40 plus books that Else wrote. There is something so compelling about simple fun stories that my son loves. And love this book he did. This volume has 4 shorter stories:

What Will Little Bear Wear?
Birthday Soup
Little Bear Goes to the Moon
Little Bear's Wish

These books are geared to readers 4-8 years of age. At 8 my son could read the whole book but loves sharing stories. But to be honest even as an adult there is something really enjoyable in these stories.

This is a great little read for the young and the young at heart. My son really loved this book. It was one of 6 in a box set he got for reading 10 days this summer. It was really interesting watching how excited he was with the story and the illustrations. And I can give it 2 thumbs up!

Little Bear Books:
Little Bear
Father Bear Comes Home
Little Bear's Friend
Little Bear's Visit
A Kiss for Little Bear