Hibernation Hotel

Hibernation Hotel by John Kelly, illustrated by Laura Brenlla
 
Bear is ready for his long winter sleep, but his cave is packed with more than twenty woodland friends. Raccoon snores, Beaver fidgets, Skunk is rather whiffy and everyone seems to be using Bear as one enormous furry mattress. Enough is enough: Bear books himself into the luxurious Hibernation Hotel.
 
At first, hotel life feels marvellous. Bear raids the snacks, bounces on the bed and prepares for months of peaceful sleep. Yet when the lights go out, the grand room does not feel quite as cosy as his crowded cave. Perhaps getting exactly what he wanted has helped Bear understand what he really needs.
 
John Kelly’s comic storytelling gives the familiar problem of being unable to sleep a wonderfully extravagant twist. Laura Brenlla’s stylish full-colour illustrations are filled with expressive animal characters, hotel details and visual clues, including friends for attentive readers to spot before Bear notices them.
 
Funny, warm and reassuring, this is a bedtime picture book about friendship, belonging and the small irritations that can come with sharing space. Its snowy setting and hibernation theme also make it an inviting autumn or winter read.