Don't You Feel Well, Sam? (Sam Books) - Softcover

Amy Hest

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0744598397 ISBN 13: 9780744598391

Publisher: Walker Children's Paperbacks, 2003

Synopsis

One cold, cold night, Mrs Bear is putting Sam to bed. Hck hck, coughs Sam. So Mrs Bear fetches some syrup. But there's too much syrup on a too-big spoon, and Sam can't swallow it. What can Mrs Bear do to make Sam feel better?

About this title

About the Author

Amy Hest is the author of many books, including KISS GOOD NIGHT and WHEN JESSIE CAME ACROSS THE SEA, both of which received the Christopher Medal; and IN THE RAIN WITH BABY DUCK, winner of the Boston Globe- Horn Book Award. She says, "My kids are way bigger than I am now, but I remember some long-ago nights . . . and rushing to their rooms when things weren’t quite right. There were many hugs, of course. And occasionally, a dose of terrible-tasting medicine, then we watched the night sky."

Anita Jeram is the illustrator of the best-selling GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU by Sam McBratney and KISS GOOD NIGHT by Amy Hest. She is also the author-illustrator of I LOVE MY LITTLE STORYBOOK; BUNNY, MY HONEY; and ALL TOGETHER NOW. About DON'T YOU FEEL WELL, SAM? she says, "My children love the anticipation of a snowfall, and to see a ‘brand-new’ crisp, white landscape outside is like magic. Sam shares that magic with his Mama, and it helps him to be brave."

From Booklist

*Starred Review* PreS. This follow-up to the best-selling Kiss Good Night (2001) will comfort little ones like a cozy blanket that's tucked in just right. It's another stormy, winter bedtime on Plum Street, and Sam begins to cough. Mrs. Bear plies him with syrup, but it tastes bad, and there's "too much syrup on a too-big spoon." Mrs. Bear tells Sam to be brave, and she promises that once he downs the medicine, they can wait together for the snow. Sam swallows the bitter syrup, and the bears make tea and snuggle together next to the fire for stories. Just as they doze off, the snow arrives. As in the first title, Hest's words and Jeram's pictures are a winning combination. The simple text's repetitive rhymes and lulling rhythms transform the language of a fussy preschooler who doesn't feel well into a mood of reassuring, snug warmth that is beautifully echoed in Jeram's paintings. The soft acrylics in deep red, gold, and green get the cozy details just right--the big purple chair; Sam's thick robe and slippers; the friendly mice warming themselves by the fire. Best of all is the irresistible tenderness in the bears' faces, figures, and small gestures. A quiet, shining story of things made better. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Walker Children's Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0744598397
• ISBN 13: 9780744598391
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32