A Birthday for Bear

Bear really doesn't like the unfamiliar - but as moms have always said, how do you know you don't like it if you haven't tried it? In this case, what Bear doesn't like is birthdays - or balloons, or cake, or parties. But persistent Mouse - small and gray and bright-eyed, of course - has set out to give Bear a great birthday, complete with balloons, cake, and a present - even if he has to adopt disguises to accomplish his purpose. I just adore these Bear & Mouse stories - the gentle watercolors, the juxtaposition of big and small, the determination of both of the characters, the humor in the drawings (especially Mouse).

Bear and Mouse return in this second delightful picture-book devoted to their adventures, following upon the marvelous A Visitor for Bear. Irascible Bear, who is decidedly NOT interested in birthdays, finds that his irrepressible little murine friend - "small and gray and bright-eyed" - once again doesn't know how to take no for an answer. Knocking on his front door, then his back, then his window, Mouse attempts to deliver birthday cards, presents and cake to Bear, who is keeping busy with chores. Although rebuffed at every turn, Mouse keeps at it, until (predictably) his curmudgeonly ursine friend realizes he might be interested in birthdays after all...

Like the first book about the doings of this adorable duo and their hilarious show more interactions, A Birthday for Bear pairs an engaging, well-written story from American author Bonny Becker with cute, expressive artwork from Canadian illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton. Although the second in the series about these two characters, this is actually the third I have read, as I picked up the sixth, A Christmas for Bear, this past holiday season. I find these books equal parts heart-warming and humorous, and enjoy both text and artwork immensely. Denton's illustrations really capture both characters' personalities, and I found myself giggling on more than one occasion at Mouse's exuberant joie-de-vivre and Bear's almost incredulous irritation. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed other picture-books about Bear and Mouse, and to anyone looking for children's stories featuring unlikely, odd-couple friendships. show less

Our second picture book to easy reader is a much newer effort. Bonny Becker's Visitor to Bear was a big hit with its delightful illustrations, charming characters, and verging-on-the-silly-but-not-quite repetition. In the original story, Mouse convinces Bear that he really does want a visitor; and not just a visitor, a friend. In this easy reader, Bear does NOT want a birthday and Mouse uses similar tactics to show him that birthdays really can be a lot of fun.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this continuation. It just didn't come up to the high standards I was expecting after Visitor. My main gripe is the plot. A grumpy bear who doesn't want visitors is one thing. A grumpy bear who would rather clean his house than have a show more birthday with his new friend is another. Why doesn't he want a birthday? The style tries to follow that of the picture book, with somewhat elaborate language on the part of mouse. But there's not enough space for the full amount of repetition so it falls a little flat. Because of the more advanced vocabulary, you're going to have to hand this out to older readers; who are going to be puzzled by the random plot.

Verdict: Now, just because I was disappointed doesn't mean it's a bad book! Comparatively speaking, this is a very good easy reader. It has charm and humor, a familiar character that many kids will recognize and a silly plot that they'll laugh over. It just didn't work as well for me as Visitor for Bear. I would have liked to see a continuation of Bear and Mouse's friendship, not a re-write of their first encounter.

ISBN: 978-0763637460; Published September 2009 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library show less

This book is very creative. The first time I read it it was actually read by a 6 year old girl to me and her 3 year old sister. This was a unique experience that allowed me to notice things about it that I might not have realized reading it just on my own as an adult. It's text is divided into chapters, and this made the 6 year old very excited to be reading a "grown up" book. There are still images, however, which made for it easy for the 3 year old to connect to and maintain interest in the story. The story itself is interesting, because it causes you to wonder about who bear is and why he feels this way about birthdays. It is also funny to see the mouse in "disguise," because it is completely ineffective.

PSC REVIEW: Local author, Bonny Becker, has done it again. She’s created a fun-filled story of how Mouse manages to trick his friend Bear into some fun. Crabby Bear doesn’t want to celebrate his birthday. He’s got too much cleaning to do. But Mouse persists. He’s so good at that. And finally when Mouse jumps out of the delicious birthday cake he’s tricked Bear into eating, Bear agrees to celebrate. Ms. Becker’s words have teamed up again with Kady Macdonald Denton’s illustrations making another fun filled romp with two very different friends. I hope Bear is as happy that his friend Mouse is so determined as I am.

I am torn between the artwork and the storyline, because both have a lot to offer to the story. I purchased this book and enjoyed reading it to my son, while he enjoyed all the little nuances to the detailing of the pictures. At times he was able to guess the next part before I even uttered a syllable. I think over time the story will take root in his heart of a friend that did not give up on another friend. Until then it is a cute story of a mouse always showing up unexpected and having a birthday party with his friend!

Bear does not like birthdays or anything to do with them. Mouse just wants to celebrate his friend's big day. Soft watercolor illustrations add to the humor of the story.