Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Chapman knows a thing or two about creating expressive, adorably lumpy bears, and the two that star in this story are engaged in a waiting game. Teddy is a bundle of energy, deliriously excited for Christmas to arrive, while Big Bear is rapidly losing patience with the smaller bear's repeated question, "Is it Christmas yet?" There's not much of a story beyond the bears' messy holiday preparations, which include wrapping gifts, baking a cake, and finding the perfect tree, but Chapman revels in portraying the enthusiasm, agony-and shortened tempers-that are all too common in the days leading up to Christmas. Ages 3-7. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Big Bear and Teddy are getting ready for the holiday and, at every step, from decorating and wrapping presents to baking a cake, the cub asks, "Is it Christmas yet?" While selecting a tree, Teddy is a bit picky, and children can join in on his descriptions of each one: "Too Spiky. Too Thin. Too Small." and finally, "This one is PERFECT!" Unfortunately, the top snaps off as they try to cram it into their home and Big Bear moans, "I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Not to worry, Big Bear gives Teddy a hug and they fix the tree and decorate it just in time for Christmas. The cozy illustrations do a great job expressing Teddy's exuberance and Big Bear's exasperation and affection. Young and old will relate to the bears' anticipation of this special holiday.-Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
As he helps Big Bear prepare for the holiday, young Teddy keeps asking, "Is it Christmas yet?" His boundless enthusiasm--and mishaps resulting from it--begin to try Big Bear's patience, but the elder rises to the occasion when the Christmas tree breaks. Lively illustrations, with Teddy charging and cavorting across the large pages, underscore the air of anticipation and excitement. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A little bear named Teddy gets ready for Christmas with his father, Big Bear, in this decidedly cheerful British import. Teddy is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas, asking his father endless questions in the manner of little ones everywhere. Father and son work together to wrap presents, bake a cake and search for a Christmas tree. The tree that Teddy chooses is too large to fit through the doors of their house, and when they bring it through the window, the top of the tree snaps off. Teddy dissolves into tears at the accident, but father and son work together to repair the damage and decorate the tree for Christmas Eve. A joyful concluding spread shows the bear pair on Christmas morning, sprawled under their tree, eating cake and candy and enjoying their unwrapped gifts. The text is aggressively jolly, with sound effects and key words and phrases set in display type and lots of exclamation marks. But Chapman's large-format illustrations are appealing, with plenty of humor and motion, and her bears are amusing--especially Teddy, who really does look like a teddy bear come to life. A story with a youngster getting ready for Christmas with just his dad should be a welcome choice for single fathers to share with their children. (Picture book. 3-6)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
