Written by Bonny Becker
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Published by Candlewick Press
Mom's Review
Never have I seen such "sad" characters looking so happy after a day playing in the mud and eating giant cookies!
A Fall Day for Bear begins with a delighted Bear who love autumn. He's preparing a picnic to enjoy with Mouse, but Mouse doesn't show up when expected. The blustery winds make Bear fear that Mouse has blown away, so he is relieved to find Mouse seated safely on a stump when he goes out in search of Mouse. The relief is short-lived, however, as Bear observes that something is dreadfully wrong with Mouse. He is sad! About the changing season! A Fall Day for Bear does an exemplary job of demonstrating for young readers two important truths about friendship: friends don't have to like the same things and we have an impact on our friends' emotions. Neither seasonal preference is depicted as a more valid opinion - each character's feelings about the season are presented with care. And readers witness how Bear becomes sadder when he fails to cheer Mouse, but they both gradually find joy in the day. The emotional transitions are smooth, realistic, with Bear and Mouse gradually finding serenity in front of a fire. A good book for the season, whether you like fall or not.
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