In this enchanting holiday story, Bear's friends are determined to keep him awake for Christmas. So they wake Bear up from his winter nap and he helps find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, sing Christmas songs--and discovers that giving is one of the best presents of all.

Another great book in the Bear series, Bear Stays Up For Christmas mixes the fun of Christmas traditions with the true meaning of the holidays spending time together with loved ones. Bears friends are determined not to let him hibernate right through Christmas this year. The story has rhyming lines filled with alliteration, making it a delight to read and hear aloud. The painted pictures are exciting to explore, as they show a variety of animals (bear, rabbit, raven, wren, badger, and gopher) preparing in their own way for the holiday.

Readers get to see all of Bears friends holiday traditions. You can discuss with your little one how they compare or differ to your familys traditions, aksing what is similar and what is different? Did they get any new ideas they want to try?  The story also exposes little ones to some new vocabulary words like, hoist, plod, trudge, toil, lair, and glee.  Be prepared for the What does that mean? questions. Your child can also participate in the reading process by helping repeat the line, But the bear stays up which continues throughout the story like a chorus.