Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick Press, 2011
Picture book 

Bear has a terrible cold. In fact, Bear is quite sure that no one has ever been as sick as he is. So when Mouse comes tap, tap, tapping on his front door eager to make Bear “as good as new” by reading a sunny story, singing a rousing chorus, and plinking a twangy tune on his banjo, the pitifully coughing Bear—growing weaker by the minute—is convinced that his tiny friend does not appreciate the gravity of the situation. Can there be any saving Bear from his certain demise?

Kirkus Reviews 
Bear is sure no one could possibly be as sick as he is. Bear has a miserable cold. His throat hurts, his snout is sore and red and he has retired to his chair to wallow in his misery. Enter Mouse, who is determined to make everything better…This funny, gentle homily about friendship and selflessness begs to be read aloud with young readers acting out the parts. Bear and Mouse are the 21st-century Damon and Pythias—kids who haven’t met them yet will be happy they’ve encountered them now. (Picture book, 3-6)

School Library Journal 
High-drama king Bear and endlessly cheerful Mouse return in this gently humorous tale…The expressive, lightly colored watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations sweep across the pages, using the spreads and white space to great advantage. The body language of the characters conveys a huge emotional range. Whether readers are fans of this homey pair or new to the dynamic duo’s doings, they will delight in the childlike repartee and comfortable friendship. (PreS-Gr 1)