Bear does not like birthdays or anything to do with them. Mouse just wants to celebrate his friend's big day. Soft watercolor illustrations add to the humor of the story. ( )

Bear and Mouse return in this second delightful picture-book devoted to their adventures, following upon the marvelous A Visitor for Bear. Irascible Bear, who is decidedly NOT interested in birthdays, finds that his irrepressible little murine friend - "small and gray and bright-eyed" - once again doesn't know how to take no for an answer. Knocking on his front door, then his back, then his window, Mouse attempts to deliver birthday cards, presents and cake to Bear, who is keeping busy with chores. Although rebuffed at every turn, Mouse keeps at it, until (predictably) his curmudgeonly ursine friend realizes he might be interested in birthdays after all...

Like the first book about the doings of this adorable duo and their hilarious interactions, A Birthday for Bear pairs an engaging, well-written story from American author Bonny Becker with cute, expressive artwork from Canadian illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton. Although the second in the series about these two characters, this is actually the third I have read, as I picked up the sixth, A Christmas for Bear, this past holiday season. I find these books equal parts heart-warming and humorous, and enjoy both text and artwork immensely. Denton's illustrations really capture both characters' personalities, and I found myself giggling on more than one occasion at Mouse's exuberant joie-de-vivre and Bear's almost incredulous irritation. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed other picture-books about Bear and Mouse, and to anyone looking for children's stories featuring unlikely, odd-couple friendships. ( )

Birthday for Bear is a story about friendship. It is Bear's birthday but he never wants to celebrate it. His friend Mouse goes to great lengths to celebrate it in the usual fashion, dressing up in comical disguises in order to get past the door. Finally, Bear lets his friend by, and in the end, is happy that Mouse had persisted in having a birthday celebration for him. ( )

Bear really doesn't like the unfamiliar - but as moms have always said, how do you know you don't like it if you haven't tried it? In this case, what Bear doesn't like is birthdays - or balloons, or cake, or parties. But persistent Mouse - small and gray and bright-eyed, of course - has set out to give Bear a great birthday, complete with balloons, cake, and a present - even if he has to adopt disguises to accomplish his purpose. I just adore these Bear & Mouse stories - the gentle watercolors, the juxtaposition of big and small, the determination of both of the characters, the humor in the drawings (especially Mouse). ( )

This was a easy read for the children that are just starting to ready longer books by themselves. It was a extension of the picture books about Bear and Mouse. Bear is always a character that gives you a little giggle. ( )