A Birthday for Bear    by Bonny Becker & Kady MacDonald Denton Order:  USA  Can Candlewick, 2009 (2009) Hardcover      Reviewed by Bob Walch Bear does not celebrate birthdays, especially his own. He really doesn't care for balloons, cards or silly party hats. So when Bear's birthday rolls around he intends to celebrate the day by cleaning house. Mouse has other plans, though. When Mouse shows up at Bear's door with a birthday card, the furry curmudgeon's response is, 'It's not my birthday! I do not like parties. I do not like birthdays. And I especially do not like birthday parties for me at my house.' Bear then sweeps the little grey mouse out his front door. Undaunted, Mouse keeps trying. He returns with three red birthday balloons for Bear. Still grumpy, old Bear refuses to give in. Then the diminutive rodent gets a brilliant idea - he dresses as Santa and slides down Bear's chimney. Is Bear fooled? Nope! Finally, Mouse comes up with the cleverest idea of all and, sure enough, this time it works. Wonder what he does to get Bear to give in and celebrate his birthday? Sorry, you have to read this delightful chapter book for children four years of age and older to find out. The second in the series chronicling the misadventures of this unlikely odd couple, the Bear and Mouse books are fun and feature an early-reader format. Here's a clever story that will move your child on to the do-it-yourself level of reading. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews