Customer Reviews:
 cozy christmas story October 30, 2008
This is a smallish, hardcover, jacket-less version suitable for little kids - no jacket to tear, no big pages that are hard to turn and easy to rip.
The story is heartwarmingly cute. It's told in rhyme similar (not identical) to Twas the Night Before Xmas style, like the earlier Bear stories - this time, the stanzas are occasionally punctuated by "But the bear stays up."
Bear's natural urge is to hibernate, but the other woodland animals want him to join their Christmas fun. The animals wake Bear and he gamely drags himself through the day, carrying home a Xmas tree, nearly falling asleep while stringing popcorn, singing in the firelight, and by the end of Xmas eve, bear is joyously wide awake while it's the other animals who have fallen asleep. He plays Santa -- but so does Santa. In the end, "When all gifts are opened, / there's one last surprise. / Badger shows Bear / a quilt just his size." And to sleep Bear goes.
A perfect snuggle-up read, warmly illustrated (big furry happy bear in glowing firelight in a cave) for younger kids (4-7ish) and even older ones will like it, though they won't admit it.
A Fun Read with Cute Pictures October 29, 2008
I enjoyed the story of Bear and the friends who help keep him awake for Christmas. Although his friends finally doze off, Bear manages to stay awake all night and even wraps their presents. The photos are really cute, and I like the focus on friendship (even among animals that would not likely be friends in the wild).
I agree with the author's recommended audience of 2-6 year olds. The pages are paper (not the sturdy cardboard of board books) so younger toddlers might tear or chew on them. The story is engaging with fun rhymes but a child older than 6 might like more of a plot.
I plan to buy more copies as gifts and will also check out another book by the same author, Karma Wilson, and illustrator, Jane Chapman, entitled Mortimer's Christmas Manger.
Too cute October 26, 2008
This book was a great read for my son and I. we both loved it. The length wasn't too short, nor too long where he lost interest. pictures were interesting and conveyed the story very well. Bear usually sleeps during Christmas but this year his friends want him to stay up. So, they drag him away from his cave and do all sorts of activities to keep him up, and he does. i thought the whole thing was adorable and i would definitely buy this book. Great for Christmas time.
Tender, Engaging October 26, 2008
Wonderful story about friendship that will warm the hearts of young and old. The captivating illustrations are very engaging for young children and the rhyming text will encourage young ones to predict and participate. Definitely a thumbs up--great holiday gift for children 2-9 or teachers of grades PreK-3.
Sweet Xmas Story with delightful illustrations! October 25, 2008
I love holiday and seasonal books I can share with my children. Not only are they a great excuse for snuggling for a few moments of quiet time with them, but they usually give me a way to teach them a little, either about our natural world, or about how to be in the world. This tale, with its darling illustrations (with sweet little details that will keep your child coming back for reads on their own, even if they can' "read"), is a book that has it all. Not only does have a wonderful core story relating to friendship, (and a focus on Christmas that is not about the presents, but about the giving and time together), but it can also be used to talk about hibernating and seasonal changes for animals.
I believe this author/illustrator duo has a series of these "Bear" books, but this is the first I've shared with my two-- and they both (ages 5 & 7) were completely in love with it! This will be on the most requested bed time stories list for the next 2 months at least!
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