On a cold winter night many animals gather to party in the cave of a sleeping bear, who then awakes and protests that he has missed the food and the fun.

Bear thanks his friends for bringing food dishes to his dinner party and finds a way of sharing something of his own.

Bear's friends awaken him the day before Christmas and help him to stay awake as they bake fruitcakes, fill stockings, and sing carols. Then, while they sleep, he prepares his own surprise.

Bear and his friends persuade a bashful owl to play with them.

While taking a walk with Mouse, Bear meets many other friends and sees colors everywhere.

As friends Bear and Mouse share a day together, Bear counts various objects, from one to five, and the reader is invited to do the same.