Bear Snores On, written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman, is an adorable story about a big brown bear hibernating through the winter. As he sleeps, a tiny mouse “creep-crawls”, a hare “hops”, a badger “scuttles”, and several other animals enter the cave, but the bear continues to “snore on.” He finally awakes in sadness as he realized that he has missed the party; however, now that winter is over they have all of spring, summer, and fall to enjoy each other’s company.
Curriculum Connections
This would be a great book for introducing the concept of hibernation. It corresponds with the Virginia Science SOL 3.4 focusing on the behavioral and physical adaptations that allow animals to respond to life needs.
Additional Resources
- This powerpoint is a great source for first introducing hibernation. It can be used to encourage dialogue about what hibernation is, which animals hibernate, how they prepare for hibernation, and why it is an essential life process.
- This lesson plan combines objectives of both English and Science. While asking students to both read and write the concepts of hibernation are introduced. It also includes several hands on crafts and activities to reinforce the learned material.
- This website features several songs that sum up the basic concepts of hibernation as well as links to other websites for more hibernation themed activities.
Book: Bear Snores On
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 40
Grade Range: K-3
ISBN: 0689831870