Bear has only read about Christmas, but he has agreed to have a party. When Mouse arrives, Bear is a little bit grumpy. He tells Mouse there will be pickles and a poem. Mouse is a tiny bit disappointed and bored, and Bear is annoyed. Every time Bear goes into the kitchen for something, Mouse disappears. Finally, Mouse reluctantly settles down for a long poem and pickles only to be surprised by a little Christmas cheer when he least expects it.

The Bottom Line: Fans of Bear and Mouse will enjoy this sweet and thoughtful holiday tale of friendship and giving. Denton's engaging illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache are soft and minimal. Enthusiastically recommended for little ones ages 4 - 7. This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

The art work and unlikely friendship of an introverted bear and extroverted mouse will bring smiles to young audience. Bear throws a Christmas party for him and his friend mouse. Throughout the book mouse is very concerned about present as to which bear replies Christmas is about poems and pickles. Book is told mostly in dialog format making it a fun read-aloud with character voices. ( )

That entertaining odd couple, Bear and Mouse, whose tale began in A Visitor for Bear and then continued in four additional picture-books, return in this sixth story devoted to their amusing adventures together. As grouchy as ever, Bear prepares for his very first Christmas party, but his patience is (as always) in short supply when it comes to his small, gray, bright-eyed friend, who seems only to care about finding his present. Bear insists that they must take the time to enjoy their Christmas pickle by the fire, giving him time to recite an important (and very relevant) poem...

Although I usually attempt to read series in order (even picture-book series), in this case I have skipped from the initial book, which I read some years ago, straight to A Christmas for Bear. It just looked so droll, sitting on our holiday table at work! I was not disappointed, as I found myself amused from the very first page, in which Bear's book-won knowledge of the holiday leads to his conclusion that the most important thing is... pickles. Naturally! Mouse's behavior, on the other hand, might lead one to the conclusion that he believes that presents are the most important aspect of Christmas. In the end, however, it is revealed that this ursine/murine duo is well aware of what is truly valuable: friendship and love.

With an entertaining, giggle-inducing text from author Bonny Becker, and immensely charming artwork from illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton, A Christmas for Bear is a wonderful addition to the Bear and Mouse series, and a worthy holiday tale! Recommended to all fans of these characters, as well as to anyone searching for new children's stories about the true spirit of Christmas. ( )