“STARRY NIGHT, HOLD ME TIGHT,” by Jean Sagendorph and Kim Siebold, Running Press Kids, Oct. 11, 2011, $12.95 (ages 4 and up)
Baby Bear is growing up under the protective watch of his Momma. Her love is what helps Baby Bear become independent. She watches over him as he plays in the snow, sliding and making snow angels with his friends. Momma Bear teaches Baby Bear many lessons, including being a good friend by sharing. And at night, when mother and son are alone together, they look at the stars and say prayers and “sleep in heavenly peace.”
“Starry Night, Hold Me Tight” is a simple book — sparse text and muted, line illustrations that center on the same color family. It’s that simplicity that makes the book work so well. Anything else would be too busy, too distracting in nature. The illustrations are sweet in tone and the bears are adorable figures on their own. And the accompanying verse has a calming effect, making this a perfect bedtime story for the winter months.
