ALA Booklist

Bored and lonely in his cave, Bear thinks of inviting his friends to a feast, but he has no food to offer them. To his surprise, Mouse stops in with a huckleberry pie, Hare brings muffins, Badger offers fresh-caught fish, and Gopher, Mole, Owl, Raven, and Wren arrive with nuts, pears, and herbs. Though Bear is happy to see them, he feels uncomfortable because he has no food to share. Not to worry s friends encourage him to share his stories instead. Told in rhymed verse, the text reads aloud smoothly. As the animals arrive with their edible gifts, a repeated line, "and the bear says thanks," gives children a chance to participate in the story. The book's large format allows plenty of space for the illustrations, and Chapman's lively acrylic paintings make the most of it. Even preschoolers new to the series will be charmed by this big, gentle bear and his generous woodland friends.

Horn Book

Bear's woodland friends all stop by with yummy treats to share. Bear's cupboards are empty, so he can't contribute to the meal, but his friends remind him he can share something else: his stories. Though Wilson's rhyme and rhythm occasionally miss the mark, Chapman's familiar illustrations, Bear's thankful refrain, and the alternate way he adds to the feast will please fans of the series.

Kirkus Reviews

In a new companion to Bear Snores On and Bear Wants More (2002, 2003), a lovable bevy of friends come together again for feast and fun. Bear is bored and lonely and decides that a dinner party is the perfect way to gather all his friends for some sharing and fun, but there is no food to be found in his cave. One by one his friends stop by, each bringing something delicious with open-hearted enthusiasm. Mouse, Hare, Badger, Gopher, Mole and feathered friends Owl, Raven and Wren pool their goodies and create a glorious feast. Bear is grateful and warmed by their generosity and, as in previous works, the title refrain is repeated at every offering. But he is also embarrassed at having nothing to contribute. His friends reassure him that he has stories to share that will make the feast special. The lilting verse is neither trite nor singsong, and movement and excitement are conveyed as the animals flap, flitter, hurry and tromp into Bear's home. Rich autumn hues abound throughout, from the opening double-page spread to the glowing earth-toned cave strewn with twigs and colorful leaves. Deep friendship is supremely evident in facial expressions and body language and their joy at being together. Who would not love this cuddly, soft, furry creature? A tender tale of friendship, timed for Thanksgiving. (Picture book. 3-7)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In Bear-s eighth woodland outing, he is bored in his cave, so he plans a gathering-but his cupboards are bare. Serendipitously, his gentle friends stop by, one by one, bringing food: Badger brings fish, Hare brings muffins, and a trio of birds brings pears and herbs for tea. Though Bear regretfully admits that he has nothing to offer in exchange, they assure him that his presence is all that they need. Chapman-s glowing acrylics create a joyful atmosphere in a story that obliquely references Thanksgiving, but functions as a reminder of the importance of gratitude any time of year. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

PreS-K Wilson does it again in this new installment about Bear and his forest friends. This time Bear is bored and wants to throw a party. When he discovers that he has nothing in his cupboards with which to whip up a feast, he becomes despondent. But his trusty pals come to the rescue, all offering up something for the festivities. Bear is thankful for their generosity but still feels sad that he has nothing to make. Once again, his friends help him understand how much he is loved by telling him that his stories are the most valuable contribution to the party. The illustrations are as detailed as ever, and children will want to reach out and hug Bear because he is so fluffy and welcoming. The rhymes are pleasing to the ear and move the story along. This is a great choice to share in storytime when discussing gratitude, sharing, or thanks. Cass Mabbott, Seattle Public Library, WA