Sometimes mischievous, often offbeat, Daniel Pinkwater is always funny. In short, Bear in Love is a story of a rabbit and a bear doing nice things for one another. Will Hillenbrand's mixed media illustrations paint a loveable, appreciative, perceptive couple of friends. The endearing playful read-aloud is just waiting for vocal variations, a lumber and a hop.

However, beyond the tale, the story is, in this reviewer's opinion, a love letter to Jill (Mrs. Pinkwater). On every page, Pinkwater (Daniel) is charming, observant, and kind, and funny. What better friend could a person-or a bear or a rabbit-ask for?