My Friend Bear (by Jez Alborough)

When the bear realizes it's Eddie, he is angry, but Eddie starts to giggle, and soon they make a game of talking teddy bears. The boy and the bear become friends, and they play silly games until it's time to go home.

Eddie is back with his teddy bear, who becomes able to talk. This time Eddie is only a little scared of the giant bear, and, after the bear starts to cry, he gets up his courage to talk to him. The resulting confusion over who is talking -- Eddie or the giant teddy -- gives the two characters a chance to laugh and become friends. It's a nice (but not too exciting) story told in perfect verse.

Jez Alborough has made the bear and the woods less scary in this story. And Eddie is more filled out too. The overall look is more polished, but it lacks the energy and edge of the first book -- and children expect the characters to remain consistent. Nevertheless, this is a great book about making friends, and about the joy of laughter.