Bear (he has no other name) loves the moon. Even though he loves the moon, he doesn’t seem to understand some basic things about it, like the phases of the moon. He also thinks that he can talk to the moon, mistaking his own echo for the moon’s voice. Bear is also confused by other natural phenomena that he observes, like rainbows and his own shadow. Adults and older children will find it difficult to believe some of the odd things that Bear thinks, but the stories can be fun for young children.

Bear’s friend, Little Bird, is in some of the stories. In one book, the two of them adopt a pet “fish” they call Splash, who turns out to be a tadpole. They are confused when Splash starts changing into a frog.

Generally, the picture books are silly and sweet and make good, gentle stories to read at bedtime.

The author of the books is Frank Asch, who also wrote the Baby Bear Series and other books.

Books in the Series:

Moon Bear (1978)

Bear worries about why it looks like the moon is getting smaller every night.

Happy Birthday, Moon (1982)

Bear decides that he wants to give the moon a present.

Mooncake (1983)

Bear gets the idea that the moon might taste good, and he wants to know what it tastes like. He builds a rocket to go there and try it, but his winter hibernation gets in the way, and half asleep, he ends up trying snow instead.

Sky Fire (1984)

When Bear sees a rainbow for the first time, he worries that the sky is on fire.

Moongame (1984)

Bear plays hide-and-seek with the moon but worries when it disappears behind a cloud.

Bearshadow (1985)

Bear has trouble catching fish because they are startled by his shadow. Bear makes a deal with his shadow to solve the problem.

Bear’s Bargain (1985)

Bear admires his friend, Little Bird, for being able to fly, and Little Bear admires Bear for being big and strong.

Moondance (1993)

Bear decides that he wants to dance with the moon.

Moonbear’s Pet (1997)

Bear and his friend Little Bird adopt what they think is a pet fish, but soon, their pet, Splash, begins changing into something else. What is Splash really?

Moonbear’s Dream (1999)

When Bear and Little Bird see a kangaroo that escaped from the zoo, the two of them think that they’re dreaming.

Moonbear’s Sunrise (2014)

While Bear likes to watch the moon, Little Bird convinces him that he should see what the sunrise looks like.

Board Books

These are board books for younger readers.

Moonbear’s Friend (1993)

Moonbear’s Books (1993)

Moonbear’s Canoe (1993)