A Birthday for Bear, written by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, Random House, 2009. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"Bear didn't like birthdays. He didn't like birthday parties or balloons. He didn't like birthday cards or songs or candles. In fact, Bear was quite sure he didn't like anything to do with birthdays at all."

What a joy it is to visit with Bear and Mouse again! We met them first in A Visitor for Bear(Candlewick, 2008). Bear was a curmudgeon and Mouse was persistent. They remain the same. In four short chapters we are reminded of their personalities and can laugh at the antics as one tries to outdo the other.

Bear is obviously very busy with household chores, as he is on each of his birthdays. Opening the door to shake his broom, he is met by Mouse, who is holding a birthday card...well, an invitation actually. Who could have written it? Bear knows Mouse too well not to be suspicious. Admittedly, Mouse did it in hopes of celebrating with his friend. Bear will have none of it. As I said earlier (and we know from their first story), Mouse does not give up easily. Soon he is back as a delivery man with a bouquet of balloons. Bear is not fooled, and out he goes again. When he opens the window to a rapping noise, a little postman has an envelope. Appalling behaviour!

Santa Mouse arrives down the chimney with a present for Bear and pretends it's Christmas. Sure that Bear would like a present he has one in hand. NO! Bear hates all birthday accoutrements and he makes sure that Mouse understands him this time. As Bear begins to miss Mouse and his sparkling personality (and his present), a cake appears at the door. You know what's going to happen when he succumbs to the lure of chocolate cake! A party is had, the gift opened and Bear is delighted once more.

Kady's illustrations are just as lively and exceptional as they were in the first book! The personalities of the two characters are evident in their demeanor and the expressions on their faces at every turn of the page. She fills the backgrounds with wonderful details and shows in her whimsical watercolors the true joy of the friendship the two feel for each other.