Book: A Bedtime for Bear (Bear and Mouse)
Author: Bonny Becker
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Pages: 48
Age Range: 4-8
One of my favorite titles from 2008 was A Visitor for Bear, by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton. I loved it because it was so perfect for reading aloud. I was therefore very happy when I learned that Bear (a bit grumpy) and Mouse (small and gray and bright-eyed) were back with a new picture book, A Bedtime for Bear. (There was an early reader in between, but I haven't read that one.) I'm even more happy to report that A Bedtime for Bear lives up to the read-aloud-ability of the first book.
As A Bedtime for Bear begins, Bear, who is still rather set in his ways, is gearing up for a nice, quiet bedtime (with emphasis on quiet). He's a bit surprised when Mouse shows up for a sleepover. Friction ensues when Mouse, even though he's quiet as a .... well, you know, is not quite quiet enough for Bear. But when Bear hears a potentially scary sound, it's Mouse who saves the day.
What I love about this book is that Mouse totally gets Bear, and responds to his grumpiness with unceasing courtesy and understanding. And Bear, while perhaps not quite so clever, does know that his life is happier with Mouse in it. Their relationship rivals the classic friendships of literature (right up there with George and Martha, and Frog and Toad).
And, like A Visitor for Bear, A Bedtime for Bear is pure fun to read aloud. I could quote any page to show you. Here's the first:
"One evening, Bear heard a tap, tap, tapping on his front door."
Or this:
"Bristle, bristle, bristle. Bear heard a noise. It was Mouse, brushing his teeth.
"Ahem!" Bear cleared his throat in a reminding sort of way.
"Mouse sorry," said Mouse."
Then there's the enlarged, bold text when Bear loses his temper. ("Will this torment never cease!" wailed Bear.) Great fun!
Kady MacDonald Denton's softly-colored, detailed illustrations are perfect for a bedtime book. The colors get a bit darker when things are momentarily scary, and then warm up again. Denton totally gets Bear and Mouse, too. The cover image says it all - a weary bear leaning over a perky, pajama-clad mouse. Oh, and I love that Mouse sets up a bed in Bear's nightstand drawer. Just like the mouse in Goodnight Gorilla (only cozier, with pillow and blanket).
A Bedtime for Bear is longer than the usual picture book, and you may find that it's too long for very young children. But for preschoolers old enough to laugh, understandingly, at Bear's tantrums, A Bedtime for Bear is a must-have title. This is one that I expect to keep forever. Highly recommended.
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: September 14, 2010
Source of Book: I bought it for Baby Bookworm for Christmas
© 2011 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. All Amazon links in this post are affiliate links, and may result in my receiving a small commission on purchases (with no additional cost to you).
A Visitor for Bear was one of my 2008 favorites as well. I don't always have high hopes for sequels, but A Bedtime for Bear was just as wonderful! I second the recommendation -
Posted by: debbie | January 07, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Thanks for seconding the recommendation, Debbie! I do agree with you about sequels in general - such a relief when they exceed expectations!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | January 07, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Totally agree, Jen! I love both of these books. I was so happy that Bedtime was equally as entertaining as Visitor.
The young reader, A Birthday for Bear, is adorable too. But I can't wait for more of her picture books.
Posted by: Joanne Fritz | January 07, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Thanks, Joanne. I'm so glad that the early reader book is good, too. Not surprised, but good to know. I'm keeping early readers in mind for when Baby Bookworm needs them later...
Posted by: Jen Robinson | January 07, 2011 at 11:53 AM
I love this series as well and hope the author keeps going.
Posted by: Michelle | January 07, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Now I'm in a quandry. I liked A Birthday for Bear better than A Visitor for Bear, so now I don't know what to expect!
Posted by: Terry Doherty | January 07, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Love A Visitor for Bear (and often shelf talk it). And...have not read A Bedtime for Bear Yet! Really enjoy the early readers featuring these two, as well.
Thanks for the review .
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Posted by: www.debamarshall.com | January 08, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Another book to check for at the book store/library! My 2 year old loves books with bears, especially when we make the bear talk in fun voices during our read alouds. If you haven't read this book yet: The Very Cranky Bear, by Nick Bland, I would highly recommend it for Baby Bookworm. The book is very cute, with bright illustrations and cute rhyming text. The story itself has a great theme (lesson) as well.
Thanks Again for reviewing all levels of children's literature!
Posted by: Lynner | January 08, 2011 at 07:22 PM
I don't know why she wouldn't continue with the series, Michelle. I certainly hope she will, too.
Terry and Debra, I'm going to save A Birthday for Bear for when BB is older. It will be nice to have it in reserve.
And Lynner, thanks for the recommendation. I added it to BB's Amazon wish list. It sounds fun!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | January 08, 2011 at 07:49 PM