Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?: questions to ask and activities to try
Little Bear just can't sleep, because the dark is all around him. Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? is a deeply reassuring bedtime classic about fear of the dark, and a patient grown-up who helps.
What age is it for? Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Being scared of the dark at bedtime.
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Being scared of the dark at bedtime
Read it slowly and quietly at bedtime. Notice how patient Big Bear is each time, and talk about what helps your child when the dark feels big. It's a gentle model for grown-ups too.
What it helps with
- Fear of the dark
- Settling at bedtime
- Being patient with a worried child
- Feeling safe with someone who loves you
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why couldn’t Little Bear sleep?”
- “What did Big Bear bring each time?”
- “Why didn’t the lanterns help?”
- “What did Big Bear show Little Bear in the end?”
- “Is there anything that worries you at bedtime?”
- “What helps you feel safe in the dark?”
5-minute activities to try together
Lantern walk
Turn the lights down and take a torch round the house together. Find all the friendly things the dark was hiding.
Moon watch
On a clear evening, look out of the window at the moon and stars together, like Big Bear and Little Bear.
Free printables: Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- Age
- 2-5
Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Best for
- Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep
- Age
- 0-4
Silly Billy (Anthony Browne)
- Best for
- Children who lie awake worrying at night
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.