A Christmas for Bear (Bear and Mouse)

Bear is hosting his first-ever Christmas party in this addition to the Bear and Mouse series, but while he believes that "Christmas pickles" are the most important element of a successful party, Mouse is preoccupied with presents for some reason. Tension builds as Mouse keeps darting off, trying to find the gift he believes must be hidden somewhere in Bear's house, testing his friend's patience. Both text and art will draw smiles as this awkward holiday gathering unfolds, and especially as Bear's frosty temperament begins to thaw. And, yes, presents--not just pickles--are eventually exchanged. Ages 5-9. Author's agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary. (Sept.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--Becker and Denton team up once again for a holiday episode that sweetly acknowledges how the friendship between Bear and Mouse has grown from their first meeting in A Visitor for Bear and the multiple titles since then. The watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations remain consistent, as does Bear's and Mouse's routines. Bear, committed to propriety and insistent that Christmas be all about poetry and pickles, is repeatedly foiled by the "small and gray and bright-eyed" Mouse and his ability to disappear from a room, this time to look for presents. He is as effervescent as ever and only subdued when Bear seems unlikely to waver from his oratory plans. However, Bear, doubling down on his curmudgeonly ways with comically pointed and increasingly louder hints to Mouse, makes the Christmas magic reveal even more of a surprise. VERDICT The warm and playful use of the familiar story structure and characters make for a read-aloud that will add smiles to the holiday.--Joanna Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Bear's curmudgeonly personality and Mouse's cheerful antics provide droll humor conveyed with polished comedic pacing and clever phrases such as "a mournful bite of pickle." Soft-focus illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache are particularly strong in the subtle expressions on the animal faces...Another appealing adventure for this delightful duo, just right for a Christmas Eve storytime, perhaps enjoyed with a plate of pickles.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Both text and art will draw smiles as this awkward holiday gathering unfolds, and especially as Bear's frosty temperament begins to thaw. And, yes, presents—not just pickles—are eventually exchanged.
—Publishers Weekly

Kids who've followed the previous adventures of formal introvert Bear and cheerful extrovert Mouse will be tickled by Bear's new ability to use his crusty persona to tease his friend, and those new to our heroes will giggle at the contrast and comic repartee between the two.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Becker and Denton team up once again for a holiday episode that sweetly acknowledges how the friendship between Bear and Mouse has grown from their first meeting in A Visitor for Bear and the multiple titles since then...The warm and playful use of the familiar story structure and characters make for a read-aloud that will add smiles to the holiday.
—School Library Journal

This odd couple's banter is evergreen in their sixth book. Cozy illustrations are full of good cheer.
—The Horn Book

Denton's warm, expressive illustrations heighten the drama and underscore the affection between these two well-loved characters. An amusing, original holiday story.
—Booklist Online