When Bear notices that winter is nearly here he hurries to tell Snail, after which each animal tells another until finally the already sleeping Bear is awakened in his den with the news.

After hearing about winter from his friends, Hedgie the hedgehog tries to stay awake to experience its wonders.

"Will everything I love still be there when I wake? Mother Bear's absolute reassurance-and an unexpected outing-enables a little cub to sleep"--Provided by publisher.

Mouse feels sad because his best friend Bear is getting ready to go to bed for the winter.

Mrs. Bear plans a surprise Valentine's Day celebration for Mr. Bear despite their usual hibernating habits at that time of year.

"It's time for Bear to hibernate, but he can't sleep! His cave is filled with his friends--Raccoon, who snores; Beaver, who fidgets; and Skunk, who's just a little bit smelly. Then Bear gets an idea: he decides to reserve a room at a fancy hotel. The hotel has all the food, hot water, blankets, and pillows that Bear could ever want. So why is he still having trouble falling asleep?"--Dust jacket.

"Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it's time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can't Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a...

After helping his family prepare their burrow for the winter and joining them in a long nap beneath the cold Pennsylvania snow, Punxsutawney Phil emerges on Groundhog Day to predict the weather.

Bear, with the help of his animal friends, remembers the story he had hoped to tell before the onset of winter.

"Despite all his efforts, Elliott is wide awake and cannot seem to get to sleep so that he and his mother can make it through the winter"--OCLC.