GOODNIGHT
DEWBERRY BEAR
ABINGDON PRESS
ILLUSTRATED BY FLORENCE DAVIS * ISBN 0-687-02691-1
At bedtime, Dewberry Bear is afraid of the
gorilla-fump, the rattle-gator, and the jelly-phant who lurk in his room.
But with his mother's tender patience, a prayer he is learning, and lots
of courage, he chases all the scary things away. The imaginary
creatures Dewberry encounters, and the way he deals with each of them,
will keep young children smiling while they learn the importance of
prayer.
Behind the scenes: I remember an incident from my early childhood when I was probably two-years-old, or at the most, three. I was wiggling during a church service when my mother whispered to me that I should be still and pray. I clearly remember the thought that went through my head. I don't know how to pray. Never-the-less, I bowed my head, put my hands together, and silently, (but reverently) prayed, Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Of course that wasn't a real prayer... or was it? Thinking back, I may not have known any real prayer words, but my heart was in every single blah, and the intent was there. It was that memory that inspired the writing of Goodnight, Dewberry Bear. I want kids to know that even if you can't always remember the exact words of formal prayer, the important thing is to remember to pray. A reader writes: GOODNIGHT DEWBERRY BEAR by Dori Chaconas is an absolute delight!!! The endearing character faces all sorts of childhood fears while learning to pray. Children will relate to Dewberry's wild imagination and funny antics. Parents will love the valuable lesson that Dewberry learns- God is with you always. It helps children understand that prayers can be said anytime, anywhere- not just at bedtime. Dori Chaconas writes in a lively, humorous style And another: Goodnight, Dewberry Bear presents a charming introduction to bedtime prayers. It's humorous made-up "monsters" kept me laughing while delivering the important message of prayer. Dori Chaconas' writing is engaging and inspiring....a true treasure in our family library. |
© 2006 Dori Chaconas