A Visitor for Bear (Bear and Mouse) by Bonny Becker
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Book Reviews of A Visitor for Bear (Bear and Mouse)
Book Review: A Delightfully Fun Adventure -- With a Spiritual Core of Hospitality that Even Our Young Ones Will Enjoy
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a parent and a longtime writer and editor who loves children's books -- even now that my own children are grown. So, the reason to buy this delightful new book is that it's quite simply a fun tale of two characters who spring to life so vividly that you'll want to enjoy this little slapstick adventure with Mouse and Bear over and over again.
But I want to point out that there's a spiritual insight here. And I'm not calling it a "lesson," because that kind of "conclusion" would kill the light-as-a-feather fun in this book.
But the insight about hospitality dawns toward the end of the book when the Bear suddenly discovers the reason that he shouldn't be so quick to try to kick out his plucky little visitor. It comes at the point when the weary Bear decides he must put up with his little guest -- then a realization hits him: This mouse actually wants to appreciate him and his home.
The story says: "The mouse looked most attentive. No one had ever been most attentive to bear."
It's the hinge of the story -- dropped so softly into the narrative that everything turns quite naturally.
But the truth is -- a whole lot of people are talking, these days, about the need to reclaim the timeless spiritual truths of hospitality in a post 9/11 world. There are some very serious books for adults about "the sacred art" of hospitality.
So, how do we explore those values as parents? Well, we tell stories. We read books. We weave a lively tapestry of tales.
One excellent choice? Read someone you love, "A Visitor for Bear."
Book Review: Grows on you, just like Mouse
Summary: 5 Stars
I was initially cool to this book. I do not condone overt rudeness, at least not in children's books. This book was a gift from the grandparents, so I was somewhat forced to give it a chance, and I am glad I did.
While Bear is unquestionably impolite at the outset, we ultimately realize his gruff demeanor is but a defense mechanism. Perhaps he has been hurt by a friend in the past? Whatever the reason, we see that he has put up walls (literally!) not to mention a great big sign, in an effort to keep himself alone, and--at least from his perspective--safe.
Bear successfully earns our favor as he warms to the task. (The hilarious turning point is no doubt when he performs an unsolicited headstand!) The real prize goes to Mouse, who tolerates four progressively stronger rebuffs in his attempt to spend some quality time with Bear.
In the end, the book really does teach good manners, as well as the life experience that sometimes the best friends take some work.
Book Review: A wonderful story about loneliness and friendship-perfect for preschoolers!
Summary: 5 Stars
"A Visitor for Bear" is a perfect story for preschoolers and anyone else for that matter. It tells the story of Bear, a rather reclusive character who prefers to live alone, undisturbed and even posts a sign on his front door "No Visitors Allowed". Things change when bear gets a visit -from a persistent, cute little mouse who just won't take NO for an answer and keeps popping up in the unlikeliest of places, much to the disgruntled Bear's annoyance. What happens eventually is the sweetest thing - friendship.
The book deftly handles the themes of loneliness and friendship, and the sentences are simply written - perfect for preschoolers. The illustrations are in watercolor and very beautiful with touches of humor, depicting the extremely annoyed Bear and the ever persistent Mouse to such an effect that one can't help but laugh out loud at their antics. Highly recommended and perfect for reading aloud.
Book Review: A fun, genuinely cute book
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book for my children - a 2 yr old girl and an almost 5 year old boy - and they BOTH love it.
Frankly, I love reading it. Even my husband enjoyed listening in to tonight's reading.
The illustrations and the writing work really well together.
The humour is obvious enough for the little ones with a little extra that makes it enjoyable for adults too.
The vocabulary choices make it more interesting than many children's books. Accessible, but enough of a stretch that some new words are introduced. (like "whisked" (which my son loves)and "insufferable")
It's just adorable and genuine. And I don't mind that it's become the new favorite (which means I can expect to be reading it every night for the next few weeks!)
Book Review: Gentle Eloquence
Summary: 5 Stars
Bear does not have friends, "and Bear was quite sure he didn't like" them. In fact, he even keeps a sign hung on his front door; "NO Visitors Allowed." Gently tiptoeing, the text and illustrations of A VISITOR FOR BEAR softly tell a tale of harsh fear. Reject before rejected, and one's self surely becomes the worst - and perhaps only real - enemy.
However, someone wants to be Bear's friend anyway: "small and gray and bright-eyed." As this descriptive phrase repeats throughout the story, it simultaneously communicates the dependable truth. Although often difficult to see, friendship is stronger than self-contrived illusions. Its promise awaits those who open the door.