Waiting for Santa

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.