Wasn't sure how I'd like the books without Maurice Sendak's illustrations, but Doubleday did a great job keeping the character consistent. My 7 year old sat and listened to the whole book (5 stories) after having listened to about 10 other books. He giggled at times, too.
Little Bear has such a sweet relationship with his grandparents, something I've always enjoyed in these books. Even when Grandfather is so tired he ends up falling asleep while playing with him, Grandfather always makes time for Little Bear. And Grandmother? She put on her wedding dress which was a "bit tight" to cater to a whim of Little Bear's. Stellar grandparenting. ( )

this is a great family first read book ( )

This book is a good choice for a child to read to himself. On an educational level, this book introduces diversity among animals. ( )

Little Bear spends time in the attic with his grandfather who tells him story and about other bears in other parts of worlds. Then about how grandmother wants it too build their own house, then planted the fruit trees. Then little bear wants to see Marco Polo which is the boat in which grandpa went around the world. The pictures are beautiful and the plot is lovely.

All Little Bear books are adored by the beginning reader, this one is no exception. Little Bear learns of the story of his grandfather as a boat captain (while cleaning the attic) and his grandmother as a young bride. His excitement is almost overflowing. ( )