A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker, Illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton, Somerville, Mass., Candlewick Press, $21.99
Becker’s sixth picture book in a wildly popular series is guaranteed to give readers a warm fuzzy feeling of Christmas cheer.
Curmudgeonly Bear has reluctantly agreed to have a Christmas party and his friend Mouse appears to be the only guest. Mouse wants to open presents right away but Bear has a somewhat skewed idea of what should happen at a party and advises Mouse that they will sit near the tree for snacks and a poetry reading.
As Bear fiddles with the Christmas pickles, Mouse sneakily searches the house for his present and Bear becomes ever more exasperated as he tries to locate his friend.
When Bear bellows, “PIckles and poems! That is the Christmas spirit!” poor Mouse resigns himself to a truly dismal event. However he cheers up when he hears the beginning of a famous Christmas poem and becomes ecstatic when he realizes Bear actually has a very special present for him.
Bear’s gruff hints to Mouse as to the present’s location followed by his enraged roar, “the stockings,” belie his real desire to please a friend he loves.
Mouse then teases Bear by pretending to forget that Bear is expecting a present in return. Both are thrilled with their thoughtful gifts and the two best friends fervently wish each other a Merry Christmas.
Denton is a superstar of the Canadian publishing world and her humorous drawings of the two friends are spot on. The gorgeous watercolour and ink illustrations do justice to a warmhearted holiday story that will please readers of all ages.
Fran Ashdown was the children’s librarian at the Capilano Branch of the NV District Library. Once her mother hid her Easter basket so well she could not find it. For more information check your local libraries.
