________________ CM . . . . Volume X Number 12. . . . February 13, 2004

cover

The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas.

Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain.
New York, NY: HarperCollins (Distributed in Canada by HarperCollins Canada), 2003.
48 pp., cloth., $19.99.
ISBN 0-06-052670-X.

Subject Headings:
Christmas-Fiction.
Bears-Fiction.

Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 4-8.

Review by Denise Weir.

*** /4

excerpt:

Mama Bear missed how it all used to be, when all Christmas needed was a small Christmas tree. Christmastime once was a time for all families to be giving and sharing.

internal artPapa, Brother, and Sister Bear have caught the competitive, materialistic, commercialism of the modern Christmas "spirit." Depressed by the greed and chaos, Santa Bear travels incognito trying to discover if any true Christmas spirit exists. He finds his answer in the home of the Berenstain Bears, who, realizing the errors of their ways, have returned to the spirit of giving. Relieved and encouraged, Santa leaves the Berenstains to make his Christmas rounds.

     Written as a rhyming story, The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas is a modernization of the Night Before Christmas. Humorously illustrated, this didactic poem challenges readers of all ages to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

     Although the illustrations are well done, there seems to be some confusion over the portrayal of the seasons. Green grass and trees seem to suggest summer while, at other times, the foliage colours reflect fall or winter. Body language and facial expressions aptly convey the characters' emotions and enhance the mood of the story.

Recommended.

Located in Brandon, MB, Denise Weir is a consultant with Manitoba Culture Heritage and
Tourism, Public Library Services.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
Hosted by the University of Manitoba.
 

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