Sonderbooks Book Review of

A Birthday for Bear

by Bonny Becker

illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

A Birthday for Bear

by Bonny Becker
illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Review posted February 11, 2010.
Candlewick Press, 2009. 50 pages.
Starred Review
Sonderbooks Stand-out 2009: #4 Picture Books

A Birthday for Bear, is a follow-up to one of my favorite picture books, A Visitor for Bear. In the first book, Bear doesn't like visitors, but persistent Mouse wears him down and shows him how nice having a friend can be.

Now it is Bear's birthday. Unfortunately, bear does not like birthdays. He would much rather spend a day cleaning his house than celebrate his birthday. Or so he thinks.

In this beginning chapter book with four simple chapters, Mouse brings one thing after another to celebrate Bear's birthday, until he finally realizes he doesn't mind birthdays so much after all.

Once again, the delightful illustrations show Bear's and Mouse's emotions. The progression gets kids wondering what Mouse will do next. Even though this is longer, I'd like to see if it's as big a hit at Storytime as the first book, which appealed to all age levels.

Bear and Mouse have definitely gained a special place in my heart.