Old Bear lumbers to his cave to hibernate till spring. In his dreams, he is a cub again, exploring the seasons--summer, fall, winter, and spring.

When he finally awakes, Old Bear is so happy to find the outside world waiting for him, just as beautiful as in his dreams.

"As in so many of Henkes's books, nothing is superfluous. Every word, line, color choice, and composition feels essential and fits beautifully into a common theme." (Booklist* starred review)

"Henkes has created a thoroughly delightful character filled with curiosity and sweetness and placed him in a simple tale that unfolds with a natural, rhythmical pace. Old Bear will enrapture young listeners for years to come." (School Library Journal starred review)

"Lyrically describing the young-at-heart, Henkes plays an artist's game of hot and cold watercolor hues." (Publishers Weekly starred review)