BOOKLIST – Chicago, Illinois
September 15, 2002
Reviewed by Helen Rosenberg

“It is Christmas time, and the little mouse from The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear is making preparations.

Enter the narrator, who speaks to Little Mouse throughout the story in simple, large text: “My Goodness! What a lot of presents. Are they all for you?” The mouse beams for joy at his bounty, but what about the big hungry bear in the cave on the top of the hill? He never gets presents.

The little mouse decides to dress as Santa, pack his sleigh with his own gifts, and haul them up to the lonely bear. Those who loved the little mouse the first time around will find him even more endearing this time as he conquers his fears, opens his heart, and makes a wonderful Christmas for the bear. The large bright paintings are filled with expression and bursting with seasonal details. Perfect for holiday story hour, this could easily become a perennial favorite.”