Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Metzger's sugary tale centers on five forest friends who, spurred on by optimistic Bear, prepare for Santa's arrival. When Badger grumbles that Santa won't come ("He doesn't even know we're here!"), Bear insists otherwise ("We just have to believe!"). Mole, Mouse, Hedgehog, and a reluctant Badger pitch in to make sure that Santa will be able to locate them. Bear finds a large star that the animals, perched atop one another, place at the top of their decorated pine tree, before tumbling to the ground "with a bump!" Edgson's uncluttered pictures keep the friends, who resemble cuddly stuffed animals, front and center. In an especially tender image, they huddle near the tree, whose lustrous yellow star glows against a blue night sky, awaiting Santa, who (naturally) doesn't disappoint. A simple, reassuring holiday tale that emphasizes friendship and belief. Ages 3-7. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Bear awakens on Christmas Eve and excitedly urges his friends Mole, Mouse, Hedgehog, and Badger to prepare for a visit from Santa. Slightly skeptical yet hopeful, they eagerly get busy as Bear assures them that all they have to do is believe. (Badger is a grumpy naysayer from the outset, but he helps anyway.) A sign declaring, "This way Santa!" is erected; snacks are assembled for the reindeer; and a fir tree is adorned with garlands of bright red berries and other baubles provided by nature. It takes real teamwork to get the star on top. Finally, all that is left to do is wait.and wait. When it seems even Bear is having doubts, Santa arrives. "And he has presents! HOORAY!" Since Bear is such a clever fellow, Santa invites him to help with the rest of his rounds. Flying off in the sleigh, Bear and Santa call out together, "Merry Christmas, everyone... and NEVER stop believing!" The charming illustrations deftly convey childlike expectation in the expressions of the animals, and the large-font text is strategically placed for reading ease. VERDICT Though the story breaks no new ground, it has heart and focuses on teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude.-Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library © Copyright 2015. 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 Kirkus Book Review
Bear and his friends in the forest make preparations for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve, but only Bear truly believes Santa will come. On the morning of Christmas Eve, Bear announces that everyone needs to get ready for Santa Claus. Grumpy Badger is firmly convinced Santa won't come because he doesn't know their location. Mole, Mouse, and Hedgehog are interested but doubtful. Nevertheless, with Bear's excited leadership, the animals decorate, get snacks ready for the reindeer, and put up signs to show Santa the way. They decorate a tree and sit near it to wait for Santa's arrival. When Santa does arrive, he is impressed by Bear and invites him to come along in the sleigh to help deliver presents. The story is slight and sweet, offering just enough plot for young preschoolers. (Older children may wonder how Bear knows about Santa and where Bear found his Christmas decorating supplies.) The animals are cuddly-cute in the illustrations, and though the artistic style is simple, the characters' emotions are clear. A huge trim size and sturdy, coated paper make this a good choice for reading to a group or for preschool use. Children who have a hard time waiting for Christmas will enjoy seeing these little animal kindred spirits. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
