Authors: Don and Audrey Wood

I believe that the more animated you are in reading to your children, the more engrossed they will become in the story. This holiday season, I recommend reading Don and Audrey Wood’s Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear! to your children—the animation in your voice will come naturally as you become the narrator, conversing with a very responsive and precious little mouse. You are sure to capture your child’s attention on page one and it will be held until the very end of the story!

On each page the little mouse depicts a different emotion. The illustrations are captivating; it helps that the mouse is so expressive! It’s impressive to see the emotional progression of the mouse grasping the true meaning of Christmas.

The story begins in the mouse’s house with all of his Christmas trimmings. His tree is adorned with lights and ornaments and surrounded with “lots of presents” for himself. But with the mention of the “big, hungry bear in the cold, dark cave at the top of the hill,” the mouse is terrified. He then becomes pensive as he tries to figure out how to save his presents from the bear—who LOVES Christmas presents. It’s comical to see what lengths he will go to in order to guard his gifts (nailing his door shut, placing tacks all over the floor and much more). A little selfishness as he wants his presents for himself.

Next comes compassion, with the mention that the bear never gets any presents, not even from Santa Claus! The sweet mouse sheds tears for the bear’s solitude and comes up with a plan: With a compassionate, brave heart he dresses up as Santa, loads up his decorations and his gifts and ventures through the snow to the bear’s house. He decorates Bear’s tree and leaves all of his gifts; to his surprise, Bear also leaves a very large present out for him. The gift of friendship is revealed!

When you get to The End, don’t be surprised to hear, “Read it again!”

Merry Christmas!