Book Review: 'A Christmas for Bear' by Bonny Becker

✰✰✰✰½ Bear has only read about Christmas, but he has agreed to have a party. When Mouse arrives, Bear is a little bit grumpy. He tells Mouse there will be pickles and a poem. Mouse is a tiny bit disappointed and bored, and Bear is annoyed.  Every time Bear goes into the kitchen for something, Mouse disappears. Finally, Mouse reluctantly settles down for a long poem and pickles only to be surprised by a little Christmas cheer when he least expects it.

The Bottom Line: Fans of Bear and Mouse will enjoy this sweet and thoughtful holiday tale of friendship and giving. Denton's engaging illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache are soft and minimal. Enthusiastically recommended for little ones ages 4 - 7.

Details: A Christmas for Bear written by Bonny Becker & illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2017. 48 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-4923-4