I've Seen Santa!

by David Bedford, Tim Warnes (Illustrator)

Overview

On Christmas Eve, Mommy Bear tries to convince Little Bear that Santa won't come until he goes to sleep; Little Bear can't sleep & suddenly he hears "glugging" noise. Could it be Santa? Now available as a Board Book for ages 2-5.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589258488
Publisher:	Tiger Tales
Publication date:	09/01/2009
Pages:	20
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	AD380L (what's this?)
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

Editorial Reviews

Curious about Santa's impending visit, Little Bear stays awake on Christmas Eve, determined to catch St. Nick in action. The cub finds plenty of activity as Mommy Bear and Big Bear taste Santa's pies and milk, and hide presents for each other. But the whole family is happily in slumberland when readers see the big moment-and big red-suited visitor-finally arrive. Warnes's (Can't You Sleep Dotty?) cuddly bear family should prove likable curl-up-with-a-book pals for the holiday season. Adults may welcome this gentle explanation of Santa's parental "helpers." Ages 3-7. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

The Bear family is getting ready for Christmas and Little Bear was concerned. He was not sure that Santa can get down his chimney if he is as big as his father. Big Bear bravely goes out in the snow and wind and slides down the chimney to show that there will be no difficulty for Santa. Mommy Bear reminds Little Bear that Santa will come when Little Bear goes to sleep, but Little Bear can't settle down. He catches Big Bear drinking the milk and eating the blueberry muffins left out for Santa. He sees his mother putting gifts in stockings. Finally, they all decide to stay awake and watch for Santa. You can guess the ending—no one is awake when the jolly old man in the red suit finally does arrive. The Bear family and their home all have a bit of charm and the banter between Mommy Bear and Big Bear seems all too real. It is a story that will resonate with little ones looking forward to their first or second Christmas and especially those who can't seem to fall asleep. It will probably give a chuckle to older kids who may remember back to their own anxieties. Originally published in hardcover and paperback, it is now available in board book format. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

PreS-Gr 1-Little Bear eagerly awaits Santa's arrival-in fact, he's so excited that he can't sleep. He catches Big Bear drinking Santa's milk and eating Santa's blueberry pies, and then catches his mother putting presents in the stockings. The furry, cuddly bears fall asleep together by the Christmas tree. They all miss seeing Santa, even though he sees them. The family's warmth and love are evident through details in Warnes's illustrations. Rendered in yellows, browns, and greens, they convey the coziness and really carry the appeal of this title.-Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

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)

Kirkus Reviews