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| The award winning A Visitor for Bear, by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton |
Written by Bonny Becker
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick Press, 2008, Fiction
ages 3-7, pre-school-grade 2, Lexile 430L
Themes:
Friendship, Sharing, Disagreement
Opening:
"No one ever came to bear's house. It had always been that way, and bear was quite sure he didn't like visitors. He even had a sign.
NO VISITORS ALLOWED"
Synopsis:
Mouse is determined to come for tea, and Bear is just as determined to eat his breakfast alone. Despite Bear's discouraging sign and his cranky attitude, Mouse decides they must share a meal. Mouse's resourceful attempts to change Bear's mind will have readers begging for this title again and again. Candlewick Press describes it best as a "slapstick comedy of manners."
What I Love:
Who can resist Kady's homey illustrations? Bonny's text is perfectly balanced. Readers will delight at the anticipation of where Mouse will pop-up next. According to Marsha Diane Arnold, this is a great example of a character-driven picture book. A little examination will reveal Mouse's manners to be nearly as rude as Bear's. Yet we love Mouse. We think it ungenerous of Bear. We support the underdog. At the same time root for Bear to have a change of heart.
Note: For all you PB writers, this book is 56 pages! The story goes, Candlewick kept adding pages during the editing process to be sure the pacing of the book was perfect. Will wonders never cease?
1. Candlewick provides a downloadable activity kit, which includes adorable finger puppets.3. The book begs to be acted out with make-shift costumes and cardboard-box scenery.
4. Readers can create their own themed breakfast to share, with healthy bear toast, from This Little Project, and candy mice from InspirationForHome.
6. Read the other titles in the series: A Birthday for Bear, A Bedtime for Bear, and The Sniffles for Bear.
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for October 4, 2013.
Thanks to Susanna Leonard Hill.
Those are fun activities. We sometimes have a cranky bear at our house. He needs to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI hear you. And sometimes I think I ought to put out a sign of my own. :)
DeleteThe book sounds adorable, Joanne. This is a completely new one for me, but I have several little friends who would benefit! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have made the introduction. I hope you all enjoy it.
DeleteInteresting note about Candlewick's decision to lengthen the book. . .truly unusual! Sounds like a fun read, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear the editor's thought process. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteI love the cover. I haven't seen a 56 page picture book, so this is one to hunt for!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny. I'm usually sensitive to long or "talky" books, but the text and pacing in this book make it just right.
DeleteWow, I'm with Wendy. If Candlewick decided to bump this to 56 pages, it's definitely something to look for. I wonder if my library has it.
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't have any trouble finding it. Among other accolades it won the Golden Kite in 2009.
Delete"It won the GGGolden KKKite!!? Wow! I'll definitely take a peak at it. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Yes, for the text.
DeleteI really like the look of that Bear! What a fun story. And I REALLY like the look of that bear breakfast! I'll have to get the Mom Person to fix that for me for sure. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI should have guessed. I think you will really like the links for next Friday's PB. Thanks.
DeleteInteresting Book, Interesting what Candlewick did with it.... Must take a look. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI love that Candlewick was committed to making the best book possible. I am glad it paid off. 'Hope you like it too.
DeleteI totally LOVE this book. It is one of my all time favorites. So precious! And your activities are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank-you. I was surprised this book didn't yet appear on the PPBF review lists. How do you think the sequels compare?
DeleteYou know, Joanne, I had forgotten this book! I'm so glad you've added it to the list! Great activities too! And thanks for pointing out that it's 56 pages - that IS a wonder!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised no one had reviewed this one yet. Thanks for the opportunity to introduce it to so many people.
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