Watermark Books and Cafe

It's right there on Bear's front door: "No Visitors Allowed."

But one morning, Bear hears a tap, tap, tapping: It's a mouse. A very persistent mouse, who would like to share a pot of tea, or a slice of toast, or perhaps some nice eggs. He's looking for a friend.

But Bear doesn't need friends! And he doesn't like mice. So he shows the mouse out, again and again. And each time, the mouse (small, chipper, and bright-eyed) finds his way back inside. Bear finds him in his teapot, in his breadbox, and in the fridge with the eggs. It's impossible! Insufferable! Intolerable!

Again and again Bear shows the mouse out. Thicker and tighter he boards up his house. But there's that Mouse again. In the teapot! Again! Bear is undone.

So they sit down to tea and cheese and a roaring fire. It's clumsy at first, but soon, Mouse is telling jokes, and Bear is doing headstands for his guest. They have a lovely time until Mouse turns to leave. "DON'T GO!" says Bear. Forget the "No Visitors" sign: "That's for salesmen. Not for friends."

This charming picture book has been awarded the E. B. White Read-Aloud Award, and it is indeed great fun to read out loud. Tiny Mouse and hulking Bear make for superbly fun illustrations, and kids love watching for Mouse to turn up in the most unlikely places. It's the start of a beautiful friendship! 

Find more fun with Bear and Mouse in "Bedtime for Bear."  

Review by Mark David Bradshaw