I’VE SEEN SANTA!

In this charming, well-written story for younger children, a bear family of three prepares for Christmas Eve together. Little Bear and Big Bear (the father) decide to wait up together to see Santa arrive. The little fellow nods off and wakes several times to spot a mysterious, tall figure in the cave, but it’s only Big Bear tasting the treats left out for Santa or Mommy Bear leaving her own presents in the stockings. Finally the three bears settle down together in front of the fireplace to wait for Santa, but they fall fast asleep in a tangled pile under their Christmas-green blanket. In the final spread, Santa is shown behind the sleeping bears, quietly enjoying his milk and blueberry pie. The appealing illustrations provide dramatic suspense that will captivate preschoolers, who will love the amiable bears and the tiny mouse that makes an appearance on each spread. The story is simple enough for two-year-olds, funny enough for five-year-olds and clever enough for older children and parents to enjoy as a family read-aloud during Christmas season. (Picture book. 2-7)