Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick Press, 2010
Picture book format

Bear must have absolute quiet when he goes to bed. He likes to set out his glass of water, adjust his nightcap, fluff his favorite pillow, and then drift peacefully to sleep. But the effervescent Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, finds it terribly hard to be as quiet as a . . . well, you know. With masterfully paced slapstick humor, droll repartee, and comic visual details, the curmudgeonly Bear and his irrepressible friend Mouse return in a third wry adventure that will have readers of all ages laughing in recognition.

Amazon Best of the Month, September 2010
Bear can’t stand noise at bedtime, so he isn’t pleased when Mouse turns up to spend the night… Bear discovers that having everything just so is less important than having a friend when nighttime sounds turn scary. Denton’s ink and watercolor illustrations ably express the dry humor of Becker’s dialogue and personifications, which make this a bedtime standout. Ages 5-7. 

Publishers Weekly
A heartwarming story of friendship and new experiences, “A Bedtime for Bear” is sure to become a bedtime favorite. 

School Library Journal 
Bear and Mouse are back and charming as ever… For children who are frightened at night, trying to navigate the world of friendships, or facing new experiences, Bear and Mouse are the perfect companions. 

The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT 
Booklist Bear needs everything just so at bedtime. When his friend Mouse arrives for a sleepover, he tries to be accommodating, but Mouse’s bedtime toothbrushing, humming, and whispering put him out of sorts. Unable to sleep, Bear hears a shuffling sound that frightens him, and in the end, he is glad that his resourceful friend is there… The watercolor, ink, and gouache artwork captures all the drama and gentle humor of this gracefully written tale, which reads aloud well. Preschool-Grade 3.