Bear Who Couldn't Sleep

There’s no place like home when it’s time for bed.


When Bear can’t sleep, he goes on an adventure and discovers the wonders of New York City—a parade, Central Park, hot dogs, and more! But when he finally gets tired and looks for a place to rest . . . he learns why it’s called the city that never sleeps. What’s a bear to do? Caroline Nastro’s gentle adventure and Vanya Nastanlieva’s engaging illustrations are sure to comfort and delight!

“Hushed mixed-media artwork comprised of pencils, pastels, and a touch of watercolor, rendered in muted shades of blues and grays, is quietly stunning, particularly a spread of Bear curled up at the bottom of a tree dappled in snow, illuminated by the hazy yellow beam of a park ranger's flashlight. Bear eventually stumbles home, walking, walking, walking back to his family "and the quiet sounds of winter." VERDICT A first-rate debut that deserves a spot on storytime shelves to share with little bears everywhere.”

A little bear who can't sleep wanders the snowy woods in his nightcap and pajamas with his pillow tucked under his arm; he eventually arrives in "the city that never sleeps" New York City. Appealing, comical illustrations juxtapose the clamor and wakefulness of the city and the growing sleepiness of the sightseeing bear in this warm, just-right bedtime story.

-- "The Horn Book Guide"

Caroline Nastro studied theater and literature at the Université de Paris-Sorbonne, Yale School of Drama, and Stanford University. She is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and theater director. This is her first picture book.


Vanya Nastanlieva was born in 1979 and grew up in Bulgaria. She studied textiles and fashion before getting a BA in Book and Graphic Design from the National Academy of Art in Sofia, Bulgaria. She received her MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art, England. She currently lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband, Martin, and a little daughter, Aleksandra. This is her first book for NorthSouth Books.

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