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.
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.
