A Birthday for Bear by Bonnie Becker

Note: I occasionally accept review copies from the publisher. Posts written from review copies are labeled. All opinions are my own. Posts may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation for any purchased items.

Here’s a wonderful birthday book! A Birthday for Bear by Bonnie Becker and illustrated by Katie MacDonald Denton (Candlewick, September 2009) tells the story of Bear, who is not a fan of birthdays and is determined to be grouchy and clean his house all day. It’s a very busy day. His friend Mouse keeps trying to wish him a happy day, with balloons, a party, cake, and a present. In the end, of course, Bear realizes he can enjoy the day when he celebrates it with a friend.

My son loved the silly persistence of Mouse, and we both enjoyed the change that came over Bear by the end. It is a four-chapter early reader, which my son really liked (he had to find a bookmark so we’d finish it “later,” just like Mommy does with her books). We read this daily and over and over again for a week or two before his birthday. He was so excited to celebrate his own birthday; celebrating Bear’s helped him stay excited. I liked the dynamics between the two friends, and I’m eager to read more from the Bear and Mouse series!


This week, since my son just had his fourth birthday, I thought it might be fun to look at a birthday book!

What birthday picture books have you enjoyed? My son still wants it to be his birthday, so I’m sure he’d welcome more books on the subject!

Reviewed on October 4, 2011

About the author 

Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid is a homeschooling, stay-at-home mother seeking to make the journey of life-long learning fun by reading lots of good books. Rebecca Reads provides reviews of children's literature she has enjoyed with her children; nonfiction that enhances understanding of educational philosophies, history and more; and classical literature that Rebecca enjoys reading.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}