Wake Up, Grouchy Bear!

Though “everyone is out and about” in a puddle-dotted emerald green meadow that bursts with wildflowers, Bear remains decidedly asnooze in this amiable picture book. As creatures frolic through the newly fine weather, Bird longs to sing for the sleeping ursine, Rabbit to hop on his belly, and Squirrel to race down his back. When the small creatures determine to intrude upon his cave, Chipmunk warns that “Bear can be VERY grouchy if he doesn’t get enough sleep,” but the animals venture inside anyway. The palette immediately transforms into deep, moody blues that immerse readers in a dark, cool snugness, and the small interlopers perch adorably on Bear’s side (“His ribs go up and down. The friends go up and down”). Seemingly unconcerned about matters of consent, the enthusiastic critters make changes to the hibernator’s home, building a nest “while we’re waiting,” throwing open the cave curtains, and giving “drab and dull” Bear a berry and pollen pedicure. Stein (Don’t Worry, Murray) renders acrylic gouache illustrations in high-contrast, saturated colors that don’t quite stay within their lines, evoking both vintage screen-printing and the buzzy energy of the animals’ mischievous excitement. Resemblances to youngsters plotting to wake a sleeping grown-up on weekend mornings are surely coincidental. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Mar.)