<DIV><DIV><I>It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy. </I></DIV><DIV><I>But first, Bear had a story to tell...</I></DIV><P></P><DIV>Bear found his friend Mouse, but Mouse was busy gathering seeds and didn't have time to listen to a story. Then Bear saw his friend Duck, but Duck was getting ready to fly south. What about his friend Toad? He was busy looking for a warm place to sleep. By the time Bear was through helping his friends get ready for winter, would anyone still be awake to hear his story? </DIV><P></P><DIV>This endearing story of friendship and patience is a worthy companion to Philip and Erin Stead's last collaboration, <I>A Sick Day for Amos McGee</I>, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal. </DIV></DIV>