A Nice Party

This is a witty, charmingly illustrated story about a friendship between two bears and a birthday party they'd rather avoid. Gus and Boris are best friends. One day Gus confides that he feels gloomy because his birthday is coming and he's not looking forward to the party his family is planning for him. "My family always throws the worst parties," Gus explains. Boris suggests that they skip the party and go fishing instead, and that is what they do. Surprisingly, everyone is happy: the family celebrates Gus's birthday, barely noticing his absence, and Gus and Boris have a lovely day fishing on the river.

Marya Jansen-Gruber - Children's Literature

Anyone who has experienced a not-so-happy birthday party will understand why Gus bear is glum. Gus has a problem. As he explains to his best friend Boris, "My family always throws the worst parties." Luckily for Gus, Boris is a truly good friend. The two bears slip away and celebrate a quiet birthday together, away from a hugging grandmother, a paw shaking uncle and two very greedy cousins. The relatives also have a good time even though the guest of honor is absent. With soft, earthy illustrations and minimal prose, this is a perfect book for story time on a warm lap. 2002, Front Street,