This Is Not a Sleepy Bear Book

A Junior Library Guild selection

A Tennessee Library Association Volunteer State Book Award nominee

“On the eve of hibernation season, a well-meaning, if overbearing, owl attempts to coax Bear to sleep with a bedtime story. As with many a meta picture book, the action veers off from the expected: while Owl reads the calming words (‘He yawned a big bear yawn. And opened his very quiet den’), the art shows what’s really going on: a band rocking out in Bear’s living room. Cartoon illustrations (done in ‘blood, sweat, tears, and Photoshop’) shift between peaceful wintry scenes and the rollicking inside of Bear’s domicile, complete with disco ball and party hats.”–Horn Book“Children will love the surprise ending and the expressive characters in this silly hibernation story.”–School Library Journal”[A] humorously told, wonderfully illustrated tale that reminds readers of all ages it’s okay to balance doing what needs to be done with having lots of fun.“–BookPage, starred review“Guaranteed to garner giggles.”–BCCB* “The pacing is pitch-perfect…. The zany humor of the story resolves with almost surprising tenderness and lessons about friendship and flexibility.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Brian Gehrlein is the author of The Book of Rules, illustrated by Tom Knight. He’s also the creator of the website Picture Book Spotlight. Brian teaches high school English and lives in a cozy den in Liberty, Missouri, with his wife, Katherine; two sons, Peter and Albee; and their two corgis. Brian invites you to find him on social media @briangehrlein.

Jennifer Harney is the illustrator of How Dinosaurs Went Extinct by Amy Dyckman and many other books for children. She also wrote and illustrated Underwear! and Swim, Duck, Swim! Jenn lives near Cleveland, Ohio in a house full of people, and a corgi named Steve. Jenn invites you to follow her online @jennharknee.