What do you think?
Rate this book
Bear
Bear Can't Wait
Bear tries his best to be patient in this newest addition to the bestselling Bear Books series.
Patience might be a virtue but waiting is so hard! On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Bear can’t sit still because he’s got a surprise planned for his good friend Hare. He hustles and bustles and scuttles about. But when, in his excitement, he makes a mess of things, can he set it all right before Hare shows up?
With millions of Bear books sold—it’s hard to wait for the newest!
Patience might be a virtue but waiting is so hard! On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Bear can’t sit still because he’s got a surprise planned for his good friend Hare. He hustles and bustles and scuttles about. But when, in his excitement, he makes a mess of things, can he set it all right before Hare shows up?
With millions of Bear books sold—it’s hard to wait for the newest!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
18 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Karma Wilson
105 books524 followersKarma Wilson grew up an only child of a single mother in the wilds of North Idaho. Way back then (just past the stone age and somewhat before the era of computers) there was no cable TV and if there had been Karma could not have recieved it. TV reception was limited to 3 channels, of which one came in with some clarity. Karma did the only sensible thing a lonely little girl could do…she read or played outdoors.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 15, 2022
So cute and relatable! I read this to my youngest while he was waiting for his birthday to come around and he loved it and looked at it multiple times. Really resonated for him. We love the Bear books and the quality has stayed strong even as the series expands.
June 9, 2021
As expected, this one is a five star read. You simply can't go wrong with Karma Wilson's bear series.
Read
April 20, 2021Another bright, rhyming addition to the Bear series. In this installment, Bear is having a hard time waiting for the surprise party he and the other animals are planning. This would be a great book to share around birthdays or other celebrations.
June 8, 2021
Such a warm and cozy children's picture book about the excitement of friendship!
May 4, 2021
I absolutely love the Bear books by Karma Wilson. They are some of my favorites. (I am determined to try to get her again for our Children's Book Festival). This book is positively delightful.
Once again, there are the rhymes and the repetitive phrases, making this an excellent pick to do in storytime. However, the repetitive phrases do change a little bit with slight variations, thus allowing children to expand their vocabulary.
A beautiful fun story of friendship, excitement, patience, and a party!
Once again, there are the rhymes and the repetitive phrases, making this an excellent pick to do in storytime. However, the repetitive phrases do change a little bit with slight variations, thus allowing children to expand their vocabulary.
A beautiful fun story of friendship, excitement, patience, and a party!
February 3, 2023
Another rhyming and colorful addition to the Bear series. In this book, the bear (along with his friends) is throwing a surprise birthday party for his friend. He is soooo excited that he has trouble being patient because he simply CAN'T WAIT! His lack of patience leads to him making a mess of things. Will they have time to make it right?
April 13, 2021
I love these books. Bear and friends are planning a surprise party for hare and bear has problems waiting. the cake gets smashed after the friends bring over party supplies. they hurry and bake a new cake and they surprise hare and they have a great time
February 6, 2024
Extra vibrant, heart-warming illustrations of my best friends
June 17, 2024
I think this is my favorite of the series 😊 I love the camaraderie of the animals, the patience they show bear when he makes a mess, & the joy portrayed in celebrating a friend 💗
August 6, 2024
Glorious. 💖
January 19, 2026
Mom loves how festive and colorful all the pictures are
June 4, 2021
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
BEAR CAN'T WAIT is a cute story about excitement, patience, and friendship. Bear has been waiting so long for the planned surprise for Hare. Now that the day is here, he just can't wait. As his friends help prepare for the surprise party, Bear is rushing around. When he rushes too much in his excitement, he makes a big mess and ruins the cake. Luckily, they still have some time, and Bear uses his rush to help make a new cake for the party. When Hare arrives, Bear knows it was all worth it!
What I loved: This is an absolutely charming picture book with a story young children can relate to. Excitement and impatience are a common feeling, and though they might get in Bear's way, he manages to still prepare and make sure that things come together for Hare's birthday party. Bear's friends are also supportive and helping each other out, which is always great to see. Combined with the joy that comes from making a friend happy, this is a great story of friendship.
The text is told in rhyme with repetition of the phrase that "the bear can't wait." This kind of repetition is great for young readers, and the rhymes make this one a great choice for reading aloud and pleasing to listen to. The text is printed in a large and clear font that is great for storytime.
The illustrations are absolutely lovely with so many great details, fun animals, and bright colors. This is a beautiful book to look at, and I loved the way the story was told through both text and images.
Final verdict: With rhyming text, delightful illustrations, and a story that young readers can relate to, BEAR CAN'T WAIT is a charming picture book about friendship, patience, and excitement. Recommend for picture book readers of all ages, from toddlers through elementary school aged children.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
BEAR CAN'T WAIT is a cute story about excitement, patience, and friendship. Bear has been waiting so long for the planned surprise for Hare. Now that the day is here, he just can't wait. As his friends help prepare for the surprise party, Bear is rushing around. When he rushes too much in his excitement, he makes a big mess and ruins the cake. Luckily, they still have some time, and Bear uses his rush to help make a new cake for the party. When Hare arrives, Bear knows it was all worth it!
What I loved: This is an absolutely charming picture book with a story young children can relate to. Excitement and impatience are a common feeling, and though they might get in Bear's way, he manages to still prepare and make sure that things come together for Hare's birthday party. Bear's friends are also supportive and helping each other out, which is always great to see. Combined with the joy that comes from making a friend happy, this is a great story of friendship.
The text is told in rhyme with repetition of the phrase that "the bear can't wait." This kind of repetition is great for young readers, and the rhymes make this one a great choice for reading aloud and pleasing to listen to. The text is printed in a large and clear font that is great for storytime.
The illustrations are absolutely lovely with so many great details, fun animals, and bright colors. This is a beautiful book to look at, and I loved the way the story was told through both text and images.
Final verdict: With rhyming text, delightful illustrations, and a story that young readers can relate to, BEAR CAN'T WAIT is a charming picture book about friendship, patience, and excitement. Recommend for picture book readers of all ages, from toddlers through elementary school aged children.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2022
"خرسى و صبر و انتظار"
قصة الدب، قصة فاطمة المفضلة حاليًا..
5/5 | للرسم، ساحر جدًا والتفاصيل أخّاذة.
3.5/5 | للنص، نقرأها بترجمتي المتواضعة عن الفارسية.
الحبكة لا تدور حول الصبر أو الانتظار .. بل حول حول مفاهيم أخرى، كالصداقة والعمل الجماعي والغفران. العقدة الأساسية ركيكة جدًا، الدب كان مستلقيًا بلا هدفٍ منتظرًا مرور الوقت وحين (حاول التصبر لعله و) قام للمساعدة أفسد الكعكة، كان يمكن معالجة مشاعر عدم القدرة على الصبر عند الدب بشكل تربويّ أفضل.
لكن هذا لا يتنافى بالطبع مع كونها قصةً خفيفةً ولطيفة.
قرأناها كثيرًا وأظننا سنفعل في الأيام القادمة أيضًا..
قصة الدب، قصة فاطمة المفضلة حاليًا..
5/5 | للرسم، ساحر جدًا والتفاصيل أخّاذة.
3.5/5 | للنص، نقرأها بترجمتي المتواضعة عن الفارسية.
الحبكة لا تدور حول الصبر أو الانتظار .. بل حول حول مفاهيم أخرى، كالصداقة والعمل الجماعي والغفران. العقدة الأساسية ركيكة جدًا، الدب كان مستلقيًا بلا هدفٍ منتظرًا مرور الوقت وحين (حاول التصبر لعله و) قام للمساعدة أفسد الكعكة، كان يمكن معالجة مشاعر عدم القدرة على الصبر عند الدب بشكل تربويّ أفضل.
لكن هذا لا يتنافى بالطبع مع كونها قصةً خفيفةً ولطيفة.
قرأناها كثيرًا وأظننا سنفعل في الأيام القادمة أيضًا..
May 24, 2021
okay, not amazing
March 10, 2021
This is the second book in the Bear series, which I've had the chance to read, and I'm still a fan of this cute, big guy.
Bear is super excited and can barely contain himself. He has the best surprise ever ready for his friend Hare, but now, he has to wait until it's time for him to reveal it. But waiting is so hard, especially since Bear is sure Hare's going to love it. In his excitement, he starts to make a big mess of things...and maybe, the surprise won't be so great after all.
Written in rhyme, this is a sweet book about an even sweeter bear. Bear has a heart of gold, and while he does his best, things don't work out as perfectly as he hopes. I think one of my favorite things about Bear is that his troubles are ones everyone faces. Especially young readers and listeners will recognize the same issue in themselves and realize why Bear has the troubles he does. The solution is heart-warming and shows how important the help, care and love of others can be. It's exactly a message kids can relate to and learn from, while simply enjoying a lovely tale.
The illustrations are nicely down and bring Bear and his friends to life. Young listeners will easily be able to take the book on their own and revisit Bear and his adventure again and again. It's simply a lovely tale through and through.
I received an ARC and enjoyed it quite a bit.
Bear is super excited and can barely contain himself. He has the best surprise ever ready for his friend Hare, but now, he has to wait until it's time for him to reveal it. But waiting is so hard, especially since Bear is sure Hare's going to love it. In his excitement, he starts to make a big mess of things...and maybe, the surprise won't be so great after all.
Written in rhyme, this is a sweet book about an even sweeter bear. Bear has a heart of gold, and while he does his best, things don't work out as perfectly as he hopes. I think one of my favorite things about Bear is that his troubles are ones everyone faces. Especially young readers and listeners will recognize the same issue in themselves and realize why Bear has the troubles he does. The solution is heart-warming and shows how important the help, care and love of others can be. It's exactly a message kids can relate to and learn from, while simply enjoying a lovely tale.
The illustrations are nicely down and bring Bear and his friends to life. Young listeners will easily be able to take the book on their own and revisit Bear and his adventure again and again. It's simply a lovely tale through and through.
I received an ARC and enjoyed it quite a bit.
April 16, 2021
Bear and his forest friends have been planning a big surprise but our friend bear is having a hard time containing his excitement. Poor bear - time goes by ever so slowly when you are waiting for a big event to occur. And sometimes excitement ends in small disasters. But everyone pitches in and things work out for the best.
I love Karma Wilson's bear books and this is no exception. Little ones also often have a hard time waiting for a big event - a birthday or holiday. The nice thing about this book is that the focus is on surprising a friend and how happy everyone is to celebrate a friend.
This would be perfect for a birthday story time theme. Or one about waiting.
For birthdays, Cake by Sue Hendra and Watch Out for Wolf by Anica Mrose Rissi would be great accompanying reads. For a theme on waiting, I'll Wait, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony or The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach would make great pairing books.
I love Karma Wilson's bear books and this is no exception. Little ones also often have a hard time waiting for a big event - a birthday or holiday. The nice thing about this book is that the focus is on surprising a friend and how happy everyone is to celebrate a friend.
This would be perfect for a birthday story time theme. Or one about waiting.
For birthdays, Cake by Sue Hendra and Watch Out for Wolf by Anica Mrose Rissi would be great accompanying reads. For a theme on waiting, I'll Wait, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony or The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach would make great pairing books.
January 28, 2022
This cute story by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman tells a tale of a bear getting ready for a surprise party. Throughout the story, the bear’s anticipation grows as he gets ready to surprise his friend, the hare. Even though the bear faces impatience and other unfortunate events, his friends help him along the way so that they can ultimately surprise the hare. This story is a fun one that would be a cute read for any elementary school student. It's a wonderful conversation starter on patience as well as teamwork. I would use this book in a classroom setting to help illustrate the idea of teamwork and helping one another out. Without the bear’s friends in this story, he would have never gotten the task accomplished. This book would be a fun read to go along with group projects and activities.
February 10, 2022
I adore Wilson and Chapman's collaboration on the Bear series because it's illustrations of the lusciousness of nature draw me in, the rhyme scheme makes them entertaining, and the woodland friends who all like to get together in Bear's cave are just so stinkin' lovely.
In this one, they're going to surprise Hare for its birthday, so they've been planning with flowers, confetti, and a cake among other things ... until Bear trips over the cake, yet they make another just in time and throw confetti on their friend and have a good old time. It was exactly what I want and need in life and might buy this one to read when there are special occasions. I'm particularly enamored with the dedication "to all the party planners".
In this one, they're going to surprise Hare for its birthday, so they've been planning with flowers, confetti, and a cake among other things ... until Bear trips over the cake, yet they make another just in time and throw confetti on their friend and have a good old time. It was exactly what I want and need in life and might buy this one to read when there are special occasions. I'm particularly enamored with the dedication "to all the party planners".
May 12, 2023
If you've never read any of the books in this series, give one a try and you'll want to read another....and so on. Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman have a great thing going with these characters. In "Bear Can't Wait," Bear is planning a surprise party for a friend. As the time draws near, he has trouble containing his excitement and trouble ensues. Fortunately, he has all the help he needs to pull things back together before his special guest arrives. The rhyming text and busy, colorful illustrations move the story along perfectly. When used as a read-aloud, the repetitive phrase, "bear can't wait," will have children joining in the reading fun. You can learn more about Bear and his friends at karmawilson.com.
April 17, 2021
This might be my favorite of the Bear books just because I remember how agonizing it was to wait as a kid when there was an exciting even happening that day (it can still be a little bit like that as an adult but not as bad). I think this could be a great book for a kid to read while they are waiting.
As with all the Bear books, the rhymes are great and the repetition of a phrase throughout so young readers can catch on. Also, the friendship between the animals is clearly shown (in this one, Bear ruins the cake but nobody gets mad and they are all working together towards a common goal. It's very cute).
As with all the Bear books, the rhymes are great and the repetition of a phrase throughout so young readers can catch on. Also, the friendship between the animals is clearly shown (in this one, Bear ruins the cake but nobody gets mad and they are all working together towards a common goal. It's very cute).
May 27, 2021
I love reading Karma Wilson books to my kids! Her Bear series was first introduced to us by the Chick Fil A giving them out as kids prizes of all places. So when I started looking for more, I was happy to know the series was a big one! My kids have learned some good life lessons while listening to the funny tales. This one is about being impatient and the importance of slowing down and waiting sometimes. Great artwork too! Never disappoints :)
January 27, 2022
First of all, the art in this book is a very fun and cartoony style that I like a lot. The story is about a group of animals setting up a surprise party for their friend the hare. Everyone is getting the party set up, but the bear gets impatient and accidentally knocks over the cake. He rushes out to get more ingredients and they are still able to have the surprise party.
This book is a great book that teaches kids to be patient so they can do things the right way the first time.
This book is a great book that teaches kids to be patient so they can do things the right way the first time.
November 2, 2023
Bear and other animals are getting ready for a party. Bear is so antsy and excited he may be more of a problem than a help. Can they get everything ready and pull off the surprise?
A very relatable story about excitement for a big event, how overeagerness can cause problems, and how to problem solve when things don't go to plan and there's a time crunch. I love that all of this is spurred on by a spirit of caring for a friend. The illustrations really help convey all the emotions going on.
A very relatable story about excitement for a big event, how overeagerness can cause problems, and how to problem solve when things don't go to plan and there's a time crunch. I love that all of this is spurred on by a spirit of caring for a friend. The illustrations really help convey all the emotions going on.
May 18, 2021
(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
Cute and fun children's book. It has a lot of rhyme, which makes it a great book for learning. It has colorful and engaging pictures and a cute storyline. This is one of my favorites of the Bear Books. I love the anticipation that the book builds and how the animals come together to find a solution to a problem.
Cute and fun children's book. It has a lot of rhyme, which makes it a great book for learning. It has colorful and engaging pictures and a cute storyline. This is one of my favorites of the Bear Books. I love the anticipation that the book builds and how the animals come together to find a solution to a problem.
May 18, 2021
Patience is a virtue and waiting can be difficult. Just ask Bear. In his excitement of planning a surprise birthday party for Hare, Bear can't wait for the party to begin. That causes some problems that must be dealt with before Hare arrives. If you're a fan of Karma Wilson's Bear series, this one won't disappoint.
May 24, 2021
For those who care for or who know little ones, you will relate to this. And as the Bear series continues, all I can say is, Bear has some very good friends who put up with his shenanigans. But who will tell a Bear "no"? Then again, I have some very good friends who have put up with my shenanigans over the years when I act beastly. Friends of all sorts are a blessing.
July 31, 2021
The Bear books are always so cozy and sweet--this one follows a birthday party theme as the woodland animals prepare a surprise for Hare. I liked that disaster strikes when the cake gets smashed--it definitely picked up the pace of the story. The colorful decorations added a nice contrast to the normally neutral tones of the forest.
March 19, 2024
Mia’s Year of Books Day 8. I liked this one. It plays off of a common childhood theme of not being able to wait for your birthday or someone else’s birthday to come along. I feel like the rhyming wasn’t as tight on this one, but I loved the colorful pictures and the story was engaging. Bear is a very cute character and his friends are so fun.
April 6, 2021
Signature repetition and rhyme I have come to love from these Bear stories! The larger text is so wonderful for read aloud and sharing too. Bear can’t wait to throw a party! All the happy smiles are ADORABLE in the illustrations.
April 30, 2021
I always think with the next new bear book they can't keep hitting home runs but they do! This is a great story about a surprise party, helping each other, and trying to be patient. Another great read-aloud!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews