Candlewick Press
Bonny Becker; Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Although I really enjoyed A Birthday for Bear was it was first published, I wished it had gotten the large picture book format, rather than the smaller early reader size. Happy day, now we can watch the birthday negotiations plays out between the grumpy bear
and tenacious mouse on full size pages.
Mouse is delighted to help
celebrate his friend's birthday, but Bear is much less enthusiastic -
downright rude actually. When Mouse
turns up bearing a nicely decorated card, Bear lies about
it being his birthday. He tells Mouse in no uncertain terms that he does
not like birthdays, he does not like birthday cards and he most
certainly will NOT be having a birthday party! Then he unceremoniously
sweeps him from the house. Bear thinks he has made himself quite clear,
but we know how Mouse can be.
Sure enough, Mouse returns wearing his trademark grin, masquerading as a balloon bearing deliveryman, a posting with a birthday greeting and finally as Santa Claus carrying a very large package. Each time Bear is wise to his tricks, seeing through each disguise to boot Mouse from the house.
Bear is getting just a tiny bit worn down by Mouse's antics and begins to wonder what sort of present could be in that large box. Just then the doorbell rings, revealing one large chocolate cake. Bear glares and peeks into the bushes, but there is no Mouse in sight. As Bear swipes one sweet pawful of chocolate cake - TA-DA - Mouse erupts from the cake. Just as he sweet talked his way into this friendship in the first book, he persuades Bear to celebrate his birthday with a cake, balloons and a wonderful gift.
Mouse is very persistent and Bear is very resistant. The fun is what happens when they meet in the middle. I love watching these two face off - you can practically see the wheels turning in Mouse's head and the waves of frustration coming from Bear. This unlikely pair combine to become a huge hit which will have readers giggling out loud.
Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.
Posts
