The text is light and fun with an easy-to-read rhythm and rhyme. ... The illustrations, done in acrylic, are soft and fuzzy. This story a good choice for birthday collections, but the bears are endearing enough to be enjoyed any day of the year.

--School Library Journal

The rhyming text is simple and flows well.... This is a sweet story of friendship and birthdays, which would be a good pick for storytime or sharing one-on-one.

--Booklist Online

Gentle and full of charm, this is a nice selection for toddlers and very young readers, who will appreciate the clear story, repetition and obvious affection shared among the lovable characters.

— Kirkus Reviews

Mmm, something smells good in the kitchen. Big Brown Bear is curious—what are those little bears up to? Are they making something special? No peeking, Big Brown Bear! Floppy and Fuzzy, Yellow and Calico have a cake to bake and a gift to wrap, then it’s finally time for the birthday surprise. Delightful rhymes and huggable bears are just the right ingredients for a cheerful birthday read-aloud.

ISBN: 978-0763671525
Candlewick, 2015

Hardback, English

ISBN: 978-4265850723
Iwasaki Shoten, 2014

Hardback, Japanese

ISBN: 978-3649668527
Coppenrath, F; Auflage: 1, 2015

Board Book, German