Big Bear lives in a big house at one end of a long road, and Little Mouse lives in a little house on the other end. Every day they exit their houses and walk in opposite directions for work, so they have never met. Each one is very lonely. One day, in search of a new friend, they each walk in the opposite direction—toward one another—but they are so intent on their destinations that they completely miss each other. In the busy city and forest full of picnicking friends, respectively, Mouse and Bear feel even more lonesome. Heading back to their homes, they happen to meet in front of Bear’s house. He invites Mouse in for tea; they get to know one another and make plans to meet the next Sunday. But the next Sunday a terrible storm arrives, and Bear rushes off to help Mouse, who lives next to the river. The resolution is expected but very satisfying nonetheless. The warm palette of the pen-and-ink, watercolor, and colored-pencil illustrations lend a sense of cozy comfort to this gentle friendship story. (Ages 3-5)