Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
A Bedtime for Bear
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 to 6
Candlewick, 2010 ISBN: 978-0763641016
Bear is a very particular sort of animal. When he goes to bed, he has a ritual that he likes to follow. He gets a glass of water, he fluffs his pillow just so, he puts on his nightcap, and then he climbs into bed. Bear needs absolute quiet to fall asleep.
One evening, Mouse comes over to spend the night. Bear is a little worried that Mouse will be noisy. He informs his diminutive guest that he, Bear, needs “absolute quiet.” Mouse quite understands. “Oh indeed” he says.
Unfortunately, Mouse is not a quiet animal at all. He brushes his teeth loudly, he hums while he puts on his nightshirt, his little bed creeks, and then he drives Bear to distraction by testing Bear’s hearing. “Will this torment never cease” Bear wails at top volume. Finally Mouse gets the message, and very apologetically he goes to bed. Now all is quiet in Bear’s bedroom. Or is it?
In this delightful Bear and Mouse book, Bonny Becker once again brings us a deliciously funny story that explores a unique friendship that is always evolving. Readers of all ages are sure to appreciate this hilarious, and sometimes surprising, picture book.
Kady MacDonald Denton’s expressive paintings beautifully capture the personalities of Bear and Mouse, giving them depth and charisma.
