A Library Book for Bear
Part of the Bear and Mouse series
- Subject
- Books & Libraries
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Size
- 27.9 cm × 24.1 cm
- ISBN
- 9780763649241
Curmudgeonly Bear succumbs to Mouse’s entreaties and discovers the joy of books in a hilarious story that fans will covet for their own library.
Bear does not want to go to the library. He is quite sure he already has all the books he will ever need. Yet the relentlessly cheery Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, thinks different. When Bear reluctantly agrees to go with his friend to the big library, neither rocket ships nor wooden canoes are enough for Bear’s picky tastes. How will Mouse ever find the perfect book for Bear? Children will giggle themselves silly as Bear’s arguments give way to his inevitable curiosity, leading up to a satisfying story hour and a humorously just-right library book.
Bear does not want to go to the library. He is quite sure he already has all the books he will ever need. Yet the relentlessly cheery Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, thinks different. When Bear reluctantly agrees to go with his friend to the big library, neither rocket ships nor wooden canoes are enough for Bear’s picky tastes. How will Mouse ever find the perfect book for Bear? Children will giggle themselves silly as Bear’s arguments give way to his inevitable curiosity, leading up to a satisfying story hour and a humorously just-right library book.
Data provided by BiblioShare.
$25.99In stock at our supplier — delivered within 5–9 days.
What reviewers said
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.
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. ... 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.
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.
Bear continues to be a brilliantly conceived character: he is the Narrow Comfort Zone Kid, but since he’s writ literally large and ornamented with the absurdly formal language of an elderly clubman, he makes unease about novelty into a character trait rather than an a childish developmental stage. He’s also just a fascinating guy, with his interest in pickle literature and matter-of-fact use of red rollerskates to get around, and his quirks help explain what Mouse, who’s more a narrative catalyst than a co-star, gets out of the friendship. Denton’s assured understanding of these character…
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.
Appealing... Here, Bear has agreed to go to the library with his bright-eyed friend Mouse, though frankly he doesn't see the point. ... Later, in warm watercolor, we see Bear happily marching home with a basketful of new books. Message received!
