The Valentine Bears

Mr. and Mrs. Bear usually hibernate through Valentine's Day. But this year, Mrs. Bear is determined to wake up and make the day a special one. When the alarm rings in February, she drags herself out of bed and starts to secretly make preparations while Mr. Bear snores away. Mrs. Bear writes loving Valentine notes. She digs up a pot of Mr. Bear's favorite honey, and fills a bowl with delicious dried bugs and beetles. She washes up in the chilly stream. When all is ready, Mrs. Bear excitedly goes to wake up Mr. Bear for their special day. But Mr. Bear proves to be harder to wake up than she thought. With loving humor and wonderfully detailed illustrations, this book will entertain children and adults alike with a story of a lovey-dovey, "old married couple" and their special day together.

On October 14th, Mrs Bear set her alarm clock and she and Mr Bear snuggled in for their long winter's nap. Now as the alarm goes off on February 14th, Mrs Bear gets up and begins preparations for a very special day. This will be the first time that the Bears have celebrated Valentine's Day and have not been hibernating. She makes a Valentine's banner and hangs it on the cave wall, get's out the two cards she made for Mr Bear last summer, goes outside and digs up the honey and crispy critters (Mr Bear's favorites) and washes up for the big day. When everything is ready, Mrs Bear wakes her husband. It takes him a long time to awaken, but when he does, Mr Bear has a big surprise for his wife too, chocolate covered ants (her favorite). Then they spend the day together, reading the banner and cards and eating their special treats and as night falls, curl up and go back to sleep until spring. Eve Bunting has written a very simple and gentle story, full of warmth, that's perfect for kids 3-7. Jan Brett's detailed and expressive illustrations add just the right touch and together they show your little ones what loving and caring is all about. The Valentine Bears is the perfect way to tell everyone you love, Happy Valentine's Day.

Next Valentines Day, give your sweetie this book and a baggie of chocolate covered ants (or Raisinets if you can't find them) and a big sloppy bear kiss. Great for grownups as well as kids.