"Thank You Bear" by Greg Foley

This debut by author/illustrator Greg Foley delivers a simple message with easy text and plain but sweet illustrations. Bear has found a box, what he thinks is the "greatest thing ever" for his friend mouse. But showing the box to fox, owl, squirrel and others only dampens his enthusiasm and makes him doubt the value of his gift. It is only when mouse comes by that bear's uncertainty is swept away, replaced by a story ending rich in friendship and gratitude. This book is accessible to toddlers, but its meaning is ageless. - Maggie Head, Children's and Young Adult Librarian, Nantucket Atheneum