Bear and Mouse are back in this fourth picture-book devoted to their doings, this time confronting illness in their very different ways. Bear, who has a cold and feels that he is on death's door, does not appreciate the cheerful insouciance of his tiny murine friend, who (in Bear's mind) does not recognize the gravity of the situation. Wise Mouse humors his ursine companion, taking no offense at his grouchiness, and when he (Mouse) becomes ill, his kindness is repaid...

Something that has struck me, in reading the previous installments of American author Bonny Becker and Canadian illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton's Bear and Mouse series, is how long they are, for picture-books. The previous two titles - A Birthday for Bear and A Bedtime for Bear - were both 46 pages, considerably longer than the 32-page average for the form. The Sniffles for Bear however, is the more standard 32 pages. Despite that fact, it manages to create quite an impact, and is every bit as amusing, heartwarming and perceptive as its predecessors. I really enjoy Becker's writing in these books - picture-book writing is undervalued as a skill, I find - and this one in particular stands out. I love the fact that there is always a little prologue, and that Mouse is always described as "small, gray and bright-eyed." There's such a droll humor to this one though, as when Mouse "looked sad, but his tail didn't." I found myself chuckling in appreciation of both characters, even as I identified more with doom and gloom Bear, than the optimistic Mouse. The accompanying watercolor, ink and gouache artwork by Denton is every bit as expressive as in previous titles, capturing the changing emotional states of its two main characters perfectly. Highly recommended, both to those who have read and enjoyed previous stories about Bear and Mouse, and to anyone looking for odd-couple friendship stories for children. ( )

A great book for children and the whole family! This book is about a bear who has the sniffles but he thinks he is dying. His friend, mouse, takes care of him and helps writes his will. Suddenly, bear gets better because mouse mentions about adding the tea kettle to his will. This books teaches friendship and take care of other when they are sick. ( )

Bear isn’t just sick; he thinks he is on his last leg. Why, then, isn’t Mouse properly appreciative of the severity of the situation?

Great vocabulary for a read aloud. Who wouldn’t love the sight of tiny Mouse dragging enormous Bear up the stairs?! Very, very funny!

“’Nettle soup,’ Mouse said.
‘I made it myself.’

Bear sipped cautiously. It was hot and tasted a bit like spinach and straw. Bear rather liked it. Bear’s eyes began to close. ‘Better?’ inquired Mouse.

Bear’s eyes snapped open.
‘Certainly not. I think I should make a will.’” ( )

Rarely do follow-up picture books measure up to the success of the original, but The Sniffles for Bear, the fourth in this wonderfully charming series, is nearly as delightful as the original! It is by far the best of the Bear and Mouse sequels.

Bear is sick, and the ever-cheerful, ever-helpful, bright-eyed Mouse is trying his best to comfort the ailing bear, who is decidedly unwilling to be comforted.

"“This is impossible, intolerable – “Bear started to roar.
But he was too weak. “Look!” Bear wheezed. “Look how my paw is trembling. You must help me to my bed.”
And indeed, Mouse was most helpful."

(picture Mouse, trudging backwards up the banister, pulling on the finger of Bear who is dramatically and theatrically feigning an inability to mount the stairs on his own)

Bear is at his funniest when his mood is at its darkest. But of course, when Mouse becomes ill, his sour mood will turn to one of concern. They are, after all, the best of friends.

This may be a well-used plot, but Becker and Denton play it to perfection.
http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-roundup-dynamic-duos.htm... ( )

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

I was so excited when I received this book in the mail. The Andersons bought A Visitor for Bear when CW had his tonsils taken out and it is one of our favorite books now. We checked out A Sleepover for Bear from the library and enjoyed that too. I saw this (due out September 13) I hunted down the publisher.

The Bear books are great at demonstrating how to be a good friend. They show that it takes hard work and determination. It also shows that it's not always perfect. Bear can be downright cranky at times, but Mouse doesn't waver.

In this story Bear is sick and convinced he is dying. Well we've all been there. It does get silly when he asks mouse to help him to bed (up stairs! lol) and then has Mouse take down his will. Mouse doesn't leave Bear's side, except to make him some soup. He does everything Bear asks and does his best to cheer him up.

I love the writing, it's a very comfortable flow that never feels awkward being read out loud. The pictures are muted in color and just so pretty. It's the other reason I like the books so much. The pictures have a calming sensation, the kids enjoy looking through them on their own. When I read this book for the first time, the kids looked like they were watching TV. lol

So yes, if you have young children you need to add this to the library.