The Very Cranky Bear is an electronic storybook. It tells of a group of friends looking for a place to relax who learn that what makes others happy is not always the same as what makes oneself happy. The animations are minimal and effective without being distracting, and the artwork is eye-catching and charming without being cutesy. The narrator's voice is delightful. The "read to myself" option allows the child to record his/her own voice telling the story and play it back on future visits to the book. A small bonus game accompanies the book: Readers collect hidden character cards to reveal a dress-the-bear activity at the end. But the focus is on the humorous and clever story. Children will be delighted with the ridiculous bear after the friends' failed good intentions, and parents will love the message.