written and illustrated by Greg Foley
Viking, 2007. 32 pgs
Reading Level: ages 3-7
Hardcover: $15.99
Annotation: Bear finds it difficult to convince his friends he has found the perfect box.
Summary: One morning Bear finds the perfect box. In his excitement, he wants to share this treasure with all of his friends, including: Monkey, Owl, Fox, Elephant and Bunny. No one seems to appreciate his find as much as Bear does though, and he begins to wonder whether or not his box is really so great after all. However, Mouse comes along and is just as entranced with the perfect little box as Bear was and he feels buoyed up again by her admiration and approval as she curls up inside and pronounces it "the greatest thing ever".
Evaluation: The book is very simply laid out. The words are large and bold and the images are sparing. Every other page is washed with a block of color, on which the words are overlayed and the opposing page presents the image of Bear with his box the animal of the moment. I loved the book's message, but wasn't as impressed with the artwork. However, perhaps the simplicity works for a young child and message's innate truth deserves to be told.
Significance: We are all surrounded by those who would rain negativity on our choices or our very person. That is why having a friend appreciate us and our work is such a treasure. Bear is lucky to have found such a friend in Mouse. Would that we all have someone to get as excited with us over our finds as Mouse does.
Personal Choice: I wanted to read this book because who didn't love their stuffed bear growing up?
Awards: Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner, 2008
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