Reviews for Bear Stays Up for Christmas

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson Summary and Reviews

Bear Stays Up for Christmas List Price: $16.95
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Book Reviews of Bear Stays Up for Christmas

Book Review: A Great Snuggly Christmas Read
Summary: 4 Stars

I don't think there are any more seasonal books on the market than those that come along for Christmas.

This being said, it's often tough to find new stand-outs from year to year.

But in this case, Bear Stays Up For Christmas stands out like a shining star.

I read this book aloud (to myself) and found it to be very lively. The writing leaves lots of room for play with one's voice...getting louder, quieter, faster, slower, and so on. This is exactly the kind of book I've seen young children wiggle and giggle at during story time.

The illustrations depict the critters in a very sweet and expressive manner. Just looking at them made me smile.

Also, it was pleasant discovering that this is but one in a series of Bear books from Wilson and Chapman. I looked forward to reading the others.

The only drawback for me was a very tiny bit of a jarring feel with some of the rhymes. Seems like a few extra words were slipped in here and there which tampered somewhat with the pace. However this is easily overcome with a few out loud dry run readings to get familiar with the story.

Overall, if you're look for a good snuggle time book or read aloud book during the prelude to Christmas, this one should definitely be on your list.

Book Review: Bear Stays Up For Christmas...Cute Story for the Little Ones!
Summary: 5 Stars

"Bear Stays Up For Christmas" is a cute little story for toddlers and young kids. Based on the fact that bears hibernate for the winter, Bear misses out on Christmas. This year his friends are determined to keep him awake. In the end, he stays awake and all his friends sleep.

This is a rhyming text and the illustrations are nicely done. It is colorful and holds the attention of my 4 1/2 year old son. My son also likes the different animals in the story. Overall, nicely done-cute story.

Book Review: Sweet tale of friendship at Christmas
Summary: 5 Stars

Bear has a history of sleeping through Christmas, so his friends arrive on Christmas Eve day to wake him up and keep him awake. It's a challenge at first, he so wants to sleep, so the friends put Bear to work, first hauling a Christmas tree from the glen, then decorating it with them while they snack on popcorn and sip mint tea. After singing Christmas carols, the friends all fall asleep, but Bear is so excited he stays awake making gifts for his friends! Will he stay awake until morning so they can all celebrate together? Just read it and see!

Jane Chapman's charming illustrations illuminate the story beautifully. On our first reading, my four year old enjoyed the story and talked about what was happening in the pictures. I suspect this just might become a holiday favorite in our home.

Book Review: An Ideal Very Short Bedtime Story:3.5 stars
Summary: 3 Stars

"Bear Stays Up For Christmas" is designed for very young readers (the publisher recommends up to second grade). A child who has just learned to read would find this fairly easy with a few challenging words. It is a light story about a bear who wakes up (from assumed hibernation) in time to prepare for Christmas with his animal friends. He is still so sleepy, his friends try all sorts of things to keep him awake. Staying up for Christmas is something most children yearn to do, so they should identify with the theme. It is a very simple storyline with very simple rhyming verses. The artwork is okay but not memorable. There are better books out there, especially Christmas stories that have more depth, detail and superior art work. That is why I cannot give it a higher rating. What is winning about this one is its length and simplicity. It is an ideal bedtime story, very short and sweet. Perfect for a parent or grandparent bonding experience.

Book Review: Utterly Charming
Summary: 5 Stars

BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS by Karma Wilson is a completely adorable, simply delightful children's Christmas story. This is my first introduction to the Bear books, and I sincerely hope it will not be my last. I cannot wait to share this with my wee one.

Bear has never been awake at Christmas. He is always hibernating for the winter. This year, Bear's friends are determined that he will celebrate Christmas with them. They wake him up on Christmas Eve, and participate in all sorts of traditional Christmas activities to keep him awake. Bear is having a really great time, but eventually all his friends doze off. But Bear stays up and enjoys the special night. When everyone awakes on Christmas morning, there are lots of Christmas surprises for everyone, including Bear. At the end of the holiday, Bear finally goes back to sleep, with fantastic memories of his special day.

Told in wonderful rhyming verse, almost reminiscent of the rhythm of `TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, this clever, sweet, endearing story definitely appeals to young and old alike. Jane Chapman's illustrations are pretty, colorful, detailed, cute, and fun. I was completely captivated from start to finish.

I know my young daughter will love this book. I am so tempted to share it with her now. But I am also determined to wait until Christmas. I think it will be a wonderful Christmas Eve surprise, and predict that BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS will become a tradition in our household.
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