School Library Journal Review
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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
(Preschool) On Christmas Eve, Little Bear keeps thinking he sees Santa, but each time it's just Big Bear sampling some of the treats they've left for Santa or Mommy Bear sneaking presents into the stockings. The Bear family decides to sleep by the tree so they can ""all see Santa,"" but while they never spy him, the final spread assures us that ""Santa saw them,"" the bears slumbering peacefully nearby while Santa sits enjoying his refreshments. The story's gentle suspense-""Someone big was standing by the Christmas tree. This time it had to be..."" (page turn) ""Big Bear again!""-is well matched by the soft illustrations of the large, lumbering bears and their cozy cave. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
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) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.