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Bear's All-Night Party
Have you ever wanted to play when no one else did?
This picture book is based on Bill's spoken word story "Come on Out and Play" about a bear who wants all his friends to come together for a party. Bear's friends are reluctant at first, but you'll never guess what happens.
This picture book is based on Bill's spoken word story "Come on Out and Play" about a bear who wants all his friends to come together for a party. Bear's friends are reluctant at first, but you'll never guess what happens.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2001
11 people want to read
About the author
Bill Harley
69 books54 followersA two-time Grammy award-winning artist and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities, Bill uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 17, 2020
Bear plans a party for the full moon. What might happen? This beautiful story will appeal to kids – and also to their grown-ups! My four-year-old loved finding all of the animals cavorting in the woods and tracking the butterfly through each of the pages, as well as getting to do the rhythms of the various animals – especially the bugs singing “ka chirpa chirpa chi chi.”
Us adults can probably all relate to the worry that no one will come to our party, and Bear paints a lovely alternative vision of a host who is certain it’ll work out and content even if he ends up being the only guest at his own party. We can also relate to the exasperated parent who’s allllllllmost gotten the kids to bed when they sneak out between your legs to play some more!
Us adults can probably all relate to the worry that no one will come to our party, and Bear paints a lovely alternative vision of a host who is certain it’ll work out and content even if he ends up being the only guest at his own party. We can also relate to the exasperated parent who’s allllllllmost gotten the kids to bed when they sneak out between your legs to play some more!
August 25, 2020
My 3 sons and I have been super fans of Bill Harley’s storytelling for years now, so our family was excited to read his newly released picture book “Bear’s All-Night Party.” It did not disappoint! In the book’s pages we found all the big heartedness, fun and surprise of a classic Bill Harley tale. Adding Melissa Ferreira’s gorgeous illustrations to his text brings out the mysterious, magical feeling of a story unfolding after sundown. Each picture is full of movement, possibility and delight, with every action and expression rendered in loving detail.
The story itself is a simple one with echoes to other familiar folktales. A joyful forest creature wants to draw the other forest dwellers around for a celebration but finds only naysayers at every turn. Undeterred he continues with his quest for a party even if no one joins him because “you never know what might happen.” The story brings to life the idea that joy creates its own momentum and a sweetness that is impossible to resist. What Bill Harley’s tale adds to that is a reminder that all kinds of unexpected magic can unfold when friends gather in joy with one another.
Finally, for me the ultimate test of any children’s book is the flow when you read it out loud with children. Here again this book did not disappoint. I read it for the first time to my youngest (age 8) and his god sisters (ages 9 and 11); within just a page or two all three kids were on board, helping me sing the Bear’s invitational song and the other animals’ responses. This book invites active participation from its audience. This was a book that was a delight to read and to hear for adult and child alike.
The story itself is a simple one with echoes to other familiar folktales. A joyful forest creature wants to draw the other forest dwellers around for a celebration but finds only naysayers at every turn. Undeterred he continues with his quest for a party even if no one joins him because “you never know what might happen.” The story brings to life the idea that joy creates its own momentum and a sweetness that is impossible to resist. What Bill Harley’s tale adds to that is a reminder that all kinds of unexpected magic can unfold when friends gather in joy with one another.
Finally, for me the ultimate test of any children’s book is the flow when you read it out loud with children. Here again this book did not disappoint. I read it for the first time to my youngest (age 8) and his god sisters (ages 9 and 11); within just a page or two all three kids were on board, helping me sing the Bear’s invitational song and the other animals’ responses. This book invites active participation from its audience. This was a book that was a delight to read and to hear for adult and child alike.
August 26, 2020
Bill Harley's "All-Night Party" is so fun!!! The artwork is playful and the color temperature of the art captures the feeling of night. The story is a sweet one and positively reinforces the concept of going forward with a goal with determination and kindness. My youngest and oldest both enjoyed this story and have asked to have it read again and again. If you haven't heard of Bill Harley before, now is the time to check out his books and his Storytelling!! He has a way of capturing the essence of life with humor and hope. Bill Harley is the Best Storyteller in the Whole Wide World! Check out all of his works!
August 30, 2020
I am in awe of this beautiful book by Bill Harley. Its main character has a face you just want to squish and hug, and a soul that reminds us that better times are ahead. The simple act of throwing a party for his friends, in spite of the negative reactions he gets from all his animal buddies, is really important for kids to see and hear, especially now. As an Elementary School Teacher (and parent) I see kids yearning for the “old”normal, and Bear’s eternal optimism reassures them that yes, there will be a time when they can laugh and dance and eat and play with their friends. It’s a great message for adults too, because as Bear says, “You never know what might happen.” I love this book!
July 23, 2020
I love the whimsy in all of Bill's work, and Bear's All Night Party is no exception.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, he tells the story of an adorable bear who is determined to celebrate the full moon with a party, even though all of his animal friends are reluctant to join in. I won't spoil the plot line but there's a subtle message to the story. Like many of Bill's stories, it's best to read or even better yet, sing this story out loud to really experience the "magic".
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, he tells the story of an adorable bear who is determined to celebrate the full moon with a party, even though all of his animal friends are reluctant to join in. I won't spoil the plot line but there's a subtle message to the story. Like many of Bill's stories, it's best to read or even better yet, sing this story out loud to really experience the "magic".
August 2, 2020
My kids love this book... the pictures, the song, and the idea of a party at night with dancing, friends, and the moon all seem to really speak to them. If I start reading it in one room to one kid, I find that the other two quickly find us. I also love the idea of Bear having an idea and a vision and sticking with it, regardless of what others think. Highly recommend!
August 23, 2020
Delightful story for home, primary classroom, or a music class.
My three kids all loved singing along with bear and his friends. The beautiful illustrations kept their eyes glued to each page. They sang along with me and continued to sing the parts around the house after we were done. A witty story that kids can have fun reading, retelling, or even acting out as a mini play.
My three kids all loved singing along with bear and his friends. The beautiful illustrations kept their eyes glued to each page. They sang along with me and continued to sing the parts around the house after we were done. A witty story that kids can have fun reading, retelling, or even acting out as a mini play.
July 28, 2020
I love this story - the whimsy, the reality of the relationships, the belief that Bear has in himself as well as the wonder around him. Funny and gentle, the story is a reminder to us all that "anything is possible."
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September 4, 2020Bear's All-Night Party has good illustrations because they helped to tell the story. I really liked the animals personalities, I could imagine them being my friends. Everyone can relate to the conflict in this story. I really liked the book, and I think you will too. (AJ, age 8)
August 29, 2020
An inspiring and delightful story of believing in oneself and the power of community. Bear reminds us to live each day fully. This is a fun and engaging read for the whole family. Highly recommend!
October 6, 2020
We love everything by Bill Harley, and this latest is no exception. Funny, sweet, engaging, and the song that goes along with the story is wonderful.
September 10, 2012
Bill harley is one of the best-loved professional storytellers that travels the storytelling festival circuit. This book has lots of layers. One important one is doing good regardless of naysayers. It's includes a song--different animals sing different parts. This was a huge hit. We were all taking different parts and laughing at the Moose's bass line. The real song is online. We just made up our own. Great, great book.
July 23, 2016
Bear’s All-Night Party is a wonderfully colorful illustrated tale of an optimistic bear that wants to have a party under the full moon, despite everyone telling him it’s a bad idea. This is a fantastic read aloud to share with a group of students that can be made very interact, allowing them to sing various repeated versus. Such fun!
March 11, 2008
Fabulous pictures and great story for those children who love animals.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews