The Best Gift for Bear

by Jennifer A. Bell, Jennifer A. Bell (Illustrator)

Overview

Just right for the holidays, this charming story about finding a perfect present introduces an endearing hedgehog and bear—and includes a gingerbread-cookie recipe.

Hedgehog has been busy making gifts for all of her friends. But what could possibly be grand enough for her dear friend Bear? Bear had shown Hedgehog the wonders of butterflies and taught her to ice-skate, after all. When Hedgehog finally finds her inspiration and delivers the gift, it doesn’t quite turn out as she expected…

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781542029223
Publisher:	Two Lions
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Jennifer A. Bell is the illustrator of more than forty children’s books, including the Sophie Mouse series. She studied fine art at the Columbus College of Art & Design, and her work can also be found on greeting cards and in magazines. This is the first picture book she’s written and illustrated. She lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Learn more about her at www.jenniferabell.com.

Editorial Reviews

★ 09/12/2022

Hedgehog has been hard at work baking and decorating cookies for her friends and neighbors—“snowflakes for the mice, trees for the squirrels, and a special rabbit for each rabbit. Hedgehog knows a LOT of rabbits.” When the time comes to think of a gift for beloved friend Bear, Hedgehog deliberates, embarks on an epic bake of architectural proportions, and works to transport it through wind and snow until disaster paves the way for another kind of gift. Bell crafts a peaceful and contemplative story, sweet without turning saccharine, in a gentle setting—soft gouache and colored pencil illustrations portray a cozy animalian and domestic realm featuring winningly frosted baked goods, while task-oriented lines (“Brick by brick, swirl by swirl”) hint at Hedgehog’s determination. This genuinely heartfelt, quietly moving friendship story emphasizes that “a day with a friend is the best gift of all.” Gingerbread and honey icing recipes included. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

“This genuinely heartfelt, quietly moving friendship story emphasizes that ‘a day with a friend is the best gift of all.’” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A sweet, appealing picture book for the season.” —Booklist

From the Publisher

2022-08-17
A tale about gifts, friends, and tasty treats.

Hedgehog bakes gingerbread cookie gifts for her friends: The mice’s cookies are shaped like snowflakes, the squirrels’ are shaped like trees, and the rabbits each get a specially decorated rabbit cookie. But what about Bear? Bear is a special friend, after all. When Hedgehog arrives back home after delivering gifts, she sees the frosted roof of her cottage and is inspired. In step-by-step illustrations, she creates a wonderful gingerbread house for Bear—one that’s even bigger than Hedgehog herself. The journey to deliver the finished house begins smoothly, but a whipping wind soon reduces the gift to crumbs. Bear rescues Hedgehog from the storm, and later, in the safety and warmth of home, Bear admits to making a mess of Hedgehog’s gift earlier in the day and notes that they were planning to try again tomorrow. Happily, this admission leads to the best gift of all. Recipes for spice-laced gingerbread cookies and honey frosting begin the book, and perhaps all those spices keep this simple story about friendship and holiday gift giving from becoming too saccharine. Hedgehog is adorable, wearing emerald-green earmuffs, baking up a storm, and snuggling in a teacup bed. A bright-red ribbon winds through the story, artfully separating flashbacks from the present, linking baking steps, and focusing attention on important images. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sure to sweeten holiday traditions with the true spirit of friendship. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews