Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik. 1957.

Four easy-to-read chapters with engaging pen and ink illustrations (Sendak). Each story uses carefully controlled and repeated vocabulary; many have surprise twists at the end. And as with most books, this one engages the child’s world with tenderness and respect. The importance of a child’s birthday, the tenderness of the mother-child relationship. Adventures are kept small and non-threatening (a very little tree on a little hill), within reach without fear. And the final chapter reviews all the stories to aid in retention and reader participation.

Aside: I didn’t care for Mother telling Little Bear that his wishes were unattainable, but who am I? Just a mom of three getting a graduate degree, which is only a little like sitting on a cloud and flying.