A Kiss for Little Bear

First published in 1968, this fifth and final early reader devoted to the childhood adventures of Little Bear opens as its eponymous ursine hero is painting a picture - one depicting a monster who looks quite a bit like one of the Wild Things from illustrator Maurice Sendak's own classic picture-book, Where the Wild Things Are - for his grandmother. Giving the painting into the keeping of his friend Hen, Little Bear asks her to take it to Grandmother Bear, which she faithfully does, receiving a kiss for Little Bear in return. Slightly less faithful in this second delivery, Hen gives the kiss to Frog, who in turn gives it to Cat, setting off a chain that eventually leads back to: Little Bear!

Unlike the four previous books in this series - Little Bear, Father Bear Comes Home, Little Bear's Friend, and Little Bear's Visit - which each contained four brief stories or chapters, A Kiss for Little Bear contains one single story. It is a sweet tale, highlighting the love between grandson and grandmother, and concluding with an amusing wedding that is brought about by the passing of Little Bear's kiss. Sendak's artwork here is top-notch, with many little expressive details. I loved some of the facial expressions, from Hen's much-put-upon disgruntlement at being made a messenger, to Skunk's outraged visage when confronted with Little Bear kissing his bride! All in all, another lovely Little Bear book, one I would recommend to all beginning readers, as well as to fans of Maurice Sendak's work. ( )

In this story, Grandma sends Little Bear a kiss with Hen. This kiss gets passed along everyone and it's really cute. ( )

Sweet pass-it-along story about animals passing a kiss along from family members to friends. Heterosexual wedding involved. ( )

I have the 1968 version and it is very old. I have always loved Maurice Sendak and his books and was surprised to see that he is the illustrator of this book and of all the little bear books.

Little Bear sends Grandmother a picture, and she likes it so much she asks Hen to take him a thank-you kiss. But Hen passes the kiss to Frog, who passes it to Cat, and on and on -- will Little Bear ever get his kiss?