A Library Book for Bear

Starred review from August 1, 2014

PreS-K-The set-in-his-ways star of A Visitor for Bear (Candlewick, 2012) is back. Bear is reluctant to try new things, so when Mouse insists they go to the library, he finds the whole idea "excessive" and "extravagant"-after all, he has seven very nice books at home. He grows grumpier and grumpier as Mouse shows him books about rockets and entreats him to use his quiet voice, but when he hears the librarian reading at storytime, Bear falls under the library's spell. Denton's colorful watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations perfectly capture the expressions of these mismatched best friends. Young readers wary of new experiences can count on Bear to lead the way.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2014
In a series of scenes both silly and gently humorous, the ever persistent Mouse works hard to persuade gruff-but-lovable bear to become a library user."One morning, Bear heard a tap-tap-tapping on his door." Readers already familiar with the series will recognize this inviting opener, as well as the arrival of Mouse, always "small and gray and bright-eyed." The use of this familiar introduction works well for beginning readers, who then learn that this time, Bear's trademark conservatism makes him balk at the idea of visiting a library. After all, he is sure that "he had all the books he would ever need." Children will love the arbitrary nature of his collection of seven titles: kings and queens, honeybees and "one about pickles." When Bear has finally been persuaded to go to the library-holding Mouse in a basket as he races there strapped into red roller skates-he continues to be cantankerous in the stacks. The librarian-the solitary human among assorted critters-plays a part in Bear's latest behavior modification. Although modern libraries are seldom anymore the silent sanctuaries seen within this stately edifice, excellent text and layout combine with friendly illustrations to set the newest generation of readers laughing at the well-worn joke of someone bellowing for quiet in the library.Team Becker and Denton has again succeeded in creating a book that keeps the attention of young readers and makes them smile. (Picture book. 3-6)

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August 1, 2014
Preschool-G Even though Bear loudly protests that his own seven books (three on monarchs, three on honeybees, and one on pickles) are enough, he allows his exuberant friend Mouse to drag him out of his comfort zone and into the local library. There he becomes entranced by the book read during storytime, The Very Brave Bear and the Treasure of Pickle Island. Finally, the beaming bear takes seven books home and reads his storytime favorite aloud to Mouse. Becker tells the story with economy, style, and wit, spicing the narrative with dialogue that reveals the characters' personalities as clearly as their body language does in the illustrations. Well composed and expressively drawn, Denton's fluid ink, watercolor, and gouache artwork contrasts the sizes and moods of the characters very effectively. Friends with very different personalities are a staple of picture books, but few duos are as dependably fresh and amusing as Mouse and Bear. A fine, funny addition to the Bear and Mouse series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2014
In their fifth picture book (beginning with A Visitor for Bear, rev. 3/08), recluse Bear and extrovert Mouse take their odd-couple routine to the library. Although Bear has "seven very nice books at home," including "one about pickles," he reluctantly accompanies Mouse on a library visit, where Mouse tries to interest his grumpy friend in something new. Bear is adamant (and a little too loud): "A good book about pickles is all I require!" Mouse's gentle reminders about using one's "library voice" go unheeded, and eventually Bear is hushed by another patron. He prepares to leave ("I know when I'm not wanted"), but he's stopped in his huffy tracks when he overhears a librarian reading a story about a "Very Brave Bear" who finds a treasure chest full of gold and diamond pickle slices. Bear is hooked. The hooray-for-books message is served subtly, with the focus on Bear's funny outbursts and un-library-like behavior. As always, Bear's grouchiness and Mouse's joie de vivre come through in Denton's expressive lines. This is one book to check out--over and over. kitty flynn

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2015
Reclusive Bear reluctantly accompanies extrovert Mouse on a library visit. Mouse's reminders about using one's "library voice" go unheeded, and Bear is hushed by another patron. He prepares to leave, but he's stopped in his huffy tracks when he overhears a librarian reading a story. The hooray-for-books message is served subtly. Bear's grouchiness and Mouse's joie de vivre come through in Denton's expressive lines.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)