Bear Wants To Sing, written by Cary Fagan and illustrated by Dena Seiferling. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2021. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"The bear floated on his back.

The mouse crouched down, hopped into 
the air, and landed on the bear. 

They floated along, the mouse sitting on 
the bear's belly. 

"I like your song," said the mouse."

If you were lucky enough to read King Mouse (2019), you are sure to enjoy this new adventure by the same accomplished team. It opens with a softly-lit, full-spread scene showing a child riding a trike, with a small wagon attached, away from a bumpy forest path. In its wake are a collection of musical instruments. 

A bear, following that same path, finds a ukulele. He likes its smell, its taste, and the sound it makes. He wants to share his find with someone; the nearest one being a tiny mouse sitting on a tree stump. He offers to sing his song. The mouse is attentive. Before that can happen, a crow flies down. In landing, it steps on a tambourine, and demands to sing first. The bear is now grumpy, and unaware he is about to get even grumpier. First a snake finds a drum, and has a song. Then, a tortoise discovers a horn that helps sing a song of its own. Each time, Bear has not a slim chance to play his own song. 

When a fox arrives with a suggestion that the musicians for a band, there is much joy! The mouse reminds that the bear has not yet had his turn. Bear is no longer interested. The others persuade him to sing. Oh, dear! The singing does not go well. No one is willing to tell the bear the truth. From their actions, he realizes that he is not meant to be a singer. Off he goes, alone and disheartened. 

The mouse follows, wanting to give its friend support. As the bear begins floating down the river, the mouse jumps aboard his belly. The two friends each sing a happy song about themselves. In a final frame, the child on the trike returns to find all lost instruments left leaning against a tree stump, and bringing this story, about being a friend and being kind, full circle.  

The telling is rich in language and humor, the graphite illustrations warm and expressive, making this a perfect book to read aloud.