School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Bear, who lives far from the hustle and bustle of the town, was hoping for a quiet and simple Christmas. His curiosity is piqued when he hears a beeping horn from a car outside of his house. He is surprised when he finds a cheery little frog, with luggage piled high, at his door. Frog is sure that he has just arrived at The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel. Poor Frog. His map is upside down and the place he is looking for is on the other side of the world. Bear sees how devastated Frog is and wants to help. He knows that he can't give Frog the Christmas he's expecting but he wants to try. They bake cookies, admire the beautiful tree outside that sparkles with real snow, see real reindeer, and even have a snowball fight. This is a delightful holiday book that focuses on caring for others, friendship, and enjoying the simple things in life. The large, bright illustrations are captivating. There is enough detail and action in the pictures to be entertaining but not too much to be distracting. The two main characters are sweet and entertaining. Frog is energetic and full of life and Bear is quietly gentle. VERDICT This book teaches a lesson about finding joy in the unexpected. A welcome addition to most collections.-Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
This story of unlikely friendship by Corderoy (the Hubble Bubble series) opens as Bear settles into his fireside armchair, anticipating a "nice, simple Christmas." That's not to be: Frog appears with a stack of suitcases, thinking he's arrived at a hotel advertising lavish holiday attractions. When Bear informs him that his map is upside down, and the resort he's seeking is located elsewhere, his visitor is so disappointed that Bear invites him to stay. "Poor little fellow... Let's see what we can do," the accommodating host whispers, perusing the hotel's brochure after his guest falls asleep. Delivering plentiful holiday cheer, vivid cartoons by Neal (Seek and Peek Jungle) reveal how Bear tops the hotel's overblown offerings: showing Frog a towering pine filled with chirping birds (subbing for a big singing tree) and the Northern Lights (eclipsing the promise of "strings and strings of lights, flashing away"). Exuberant Frog and thoughtful Bear make an endearing odd couple. Ages 3-6. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
