I knew I had read not only Father Bear Comes Home by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, but the series of “Little Bear” books as a kid (and had them read to me). I knew there was a cartoon that I would (as an adult) sometimes catch (research for babysitting/future nieces and nephews) but when starting it last night, I realized how much I had forgotten about it.
One thing I did not forget though, is why are the adults the only characters wearing clothes?
That fact and the fact stories are similar in some ways, I had Franklin the Turtle flashbacks. Which of course, made me think how many classics have we retold and maybe not realized until “just now”?
I was looking at the reading level. I think, while some words might be a little tough for the very beginning reader, it does feel like a level one should be (as mentioned before due to no standardized leveling system, the “level” of beginning readers is all over the place. This depends on the publisher and series. Sometimes it is not consistent within the publisher).
I can see where the young child might enjoy the stories even if there is not a lot of action. The most important part of the books really is the fact Little Bear uses the child tool of imagination. He is always thinking and enjoying his friends.
You might be able to find the updated stories (based on a television series/cartoon) in your library or the pre-loved section of a bookstore, but the classics are always available everywhere.