Kids Review: The Best Gift For Bear (Jennifer A. Bell)

THE BEST GIFT FOR BEAR is a sweet holiday story about friendship. Hedgehog is baking gifts for all her friends, and she knows just what to make – until she thinks about Bear. What could be special enough for Bear? After much thought, she decides to make a gingerbread house. However, when she is bringing the house over to Bear, the weather destroys it. Bear is just glad that Hedgehog is okay and brings her in out of the cold. Bear has also had a tough time making the perfect gift for Hedgehog, and they decide to bake together the next day, as the best gift is time spent together.

What I loved: This is such a sweet story about gift-giving and friendship. Children will understand how tough it can be to let those you care about know how much they mean to you, and Hedgehog brings this concern to life as she designs cookies for her friends. Even when things don’t go as planned, the thought Hedgehog has put into the gift still counts, and she and Bear find something better – shared time. With themes of the holiday and the joy of spending time with loved ones, this makes for a very sweet winter read.

The illustrations are really lovely with art that brings to life this adorable story and beautiful friendship. The length of the story makes the pages turn quickly, which will work well for toddlers and preschoolers. There is plenty to explore in the detailed images on each page spread.

Final verdict: THE BEST GIFT FOR BEAR is a sweet picture book about friendship and the holidays. Recommend for toddlers and preschoolers, though many ages can enjoy this charming story.