Bear Wants to Sing by Cary Fagan & Dena Seiferling (Illustrations)

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this charming picture book. It was released September 14, 2021 by Tundra Books.

Bear chances upon some musical instruments left in the woods. After strumming a ukulele, he thinks he would like to sing his own song to his beloved friend, Mouse.

Before he can start, Crow shows up and caws her own tune.

Before Bear gets a chance, Snake enters the clearing and begins her song.

Other animals arrive and interject with their own ditties. All of their songs proclaim how great they are. 

When Bear finally gets his turn, his song just asserts that he is a bear. The other animals are not impressed and Bear wanders off to be by himself.

Mouse follows him. He tells Bear he likes his song “Because it is just like you.” Bear helps Mouse find his own song and the two friends float merrily down the river.

The sweetness in this book might lead you to overlook the profound message it conveys. Yes, it's a wonderful book about friendship. But most importantly, it's about accepting who you are without judgement or comparison with others. Good friends help us get there. 

Dena Seiferling's vintage style illustrations won me over in King Mouse. I'm delighted to spend time with her artwork here. I can't imagine this book any other way.