Shhhhhh! Bernate is sleeping!

Shhhh! Don't wake "Bernate"! As autumn turns to winter, we read these great stories about hibernation: Every Autumn Comes the Bear by Jim Arnosky, Old Bear by Kevin Henkes, Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep by Jane Yolen, and my favorite, Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming. We learned about the many animals that hibernate during the cold winter weather, and we colored our very own "Bernate" bears. (Say "Hi Bernate!") We created cozy caves for Bernate to sleep inside, to be hidden in our homes throughout the upcoming winter months. Some of our friends plan to "hide" their sleeping-Bernates-in-caves under their beds, in linen closets, and even in the china hutch in the dining room so she won't be disturbed! In early spring, our friends will bring their Bernate Bears to the library for a special "Wake Up Bernate Breakfast" storytime.

(Don't worry: if you didn't get a chance to color a Bernate Bear with us, or make a lunch bag-cave for her during Storytime at the library, you're welcome to create your own sleeping bear and cave at home and bring it with you to our special Spring Breakfast Storytime! Check out these photos for ideas on how to make a Bernate Bear and cave!)