A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker

Abstract

Reviewed by: A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker Deborah Stevenson, Editor Becker, Bonny A Christmas for Bear; illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, 2017 [48p] ISBN 978-0-7636-4923-4 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R 4-7 yrs It's Christmastime, and those lovable opposites Bear and Mouse (from A Visitor for Bear, BCCB 1/08, etc.) are preparing to celebrate together at Bear's house. It's Bear's first Christmas celebration, and the stiff-necked bruin is convinced what's important are pickles and "a long and difficult poem," while Mouse is hoping for a more present-based occasion. Mouse finally accepts his host's determination of holiday tradition only to find Bear was cunningly leading up to a surprise present all along, and the two friends celebrate over their exchanged gifts. 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. The art, quietly toned watercolors, is really all Bear's show as he histrionically poses and operatically gestures; alert viewers will enjoy hunting for Mouse in the larger scenes and may see Bear's beautifully decorated tree as a hint that his holiday isn't going to be as spartan as his words suggest. Kids in the know [End Page 58] will enjoy seeing the twist coming, while younger audiences will enjoy the suspense of wondering if perky little Mouse really is going to get stiffed and the sweet relief when a fine present arrives to make Christmas complete. Copyright © 2017 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois