Bill Harley

Bear's All-Night Party Bill Harley

Have you ever wanted to play when no one else did? On the night of the full moon, Bear wants to celebrate, but none of his friends are interested. The birds want to sleep. Porcupine doesn't get the point. Moose thinks it just won't work. But their lack of interest doesn't stop Bear. Undaunted, he distributes invitations, sweeps the clearing, prepares the food, and rests up for his party, even if it's going to be a party of one. Fortunately, it doesn't take long for his music and song to draw in a hesitant Dad Fox with his brood of fox cubs. By the time the moon rises, all of the animals, birds, and insects from the field and forest are singing and dancing under a full moon. Bill Harley's unique ability to blend a story's narrative into the structure of a song, combined with Melissa Ferreira's beautifully detailed, acrylic paintings makes Bear's All Night Party an instant classic. This original story encourages us to stop and celebrate the here-and-now, rather than wait for opportunities that may never arrive. As Bear is fond of saying, "You never know what might happen."