Oftentimes, parents and caregivers may find it very difficult to search for the most fitting words that offer gentle reassurance and guidance for their little ones who may be dealing with worry, anxiety and stress.
Thankfully, there are a multitude of tales out there for them to turn to that will not only draw their little ones out of their shell, but can offer simple lessons and coping strategies to pass along that will stay with their little ones as their journey through their childhood.
Such is the case with Hibernate With Me, written by Drama Desk Award-Winning singer/songwriter/playwright Benjamin Scheuer.
As our tale begins, a big bear and a sweet, wide-eyed little bear are gazing over a monarch butterfly flying around them. Upon seeing the tiny butterfly, big bear remarks that:
Sometimes you feel small.
Sometimes you feel shy.
Sometimes you feel worried,
and you might not know why.
And, as little bear hides behind a tree, thinking that no one will see his/her fears, big bear comes right along with a reassuring hand and tells little bear that he/she can always hibernate with big bear, where little bear will be welcomed with warm hugs, and a special cozy meadow blanket which will make little bear always feel safe and secure. The stunning, detailed illustrations of Jemima Williams (an illustrator on the BAFTA Award-Winning animated show, Peppa Pig) match perfectly alongside Benjamin Scheuer's calming prose.
The messages found in this eloquent book are simple, yet shine brightly through. Our little ones should always be told how loved they are, and that there will always be someone and some place that will always take care of and be there for them no matter how they may feel.
Hibernate With Me is destined to become one of those treasured books that will last the course of time.Written by Benjamin Scheuer & Illustrated by Jemima Williams
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (2019)
For Ages 4 to 8
simonandschuster.com/kids
