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Overview
Benjamin Bear is so impatient for Christmas to come. To help the time pass more quickly, his mother tells him that every day when he opens a door on his Advent calendar she'll tell him a story—"twenty-four stories all about another little bear and his long, arduous journey to Bethlehem. The little bear, led by a glittering star, meets many others on his travels across hot deserts, snowy mountains, and through dark, lonely nights. His adventures, filled with acts of heroism and kindness and many small miracles, show him the path to the Christ Child. And by journey's end Benjamin Bear—"and all youngsters who share the stories and their simple morals along with him—"will understand and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
Synopsis
Benjamin Bear is so impatient for Christmas. To help the time pass, his mother tells him that every day when he opens a door on his Advent calendar she'll tell him a story—24 stories in all about another little bear and his long, arduous journey to Bethlehem. Full color.
Publishers Weekly
A mother bear tells her cub (and readers) a different story for each day of December in The Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider, illus. by Maja Dus kov , from "The Star with a Tail" (on Dec. 1) to the place it leads, "The Manger," on Christmas Eve. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
A mother bear tells her cub (and readers) a different story for each day of December in The Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider, illus. by Maja Dus kov , from "The Star with a Tail" (on Dec. 1) to the place it leads, "The Manger," on Christmas Eve. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
As little Benjamin Bear opens each door of the advent calendar that marks off the days until Christmas, Mother Bear tells him a short story that goes with the little hidden picture. Each story connects to the next as a young bear follows the Star of Bethlehem, encountering a variety of people and creatures along the way. Mother Bear uses each story as the springboard for a short affirmation. When the bear meets Santa Claus she tells Benjamin "that sharing with others brings us closer to God." In the story about two angels (each with just one wing) that help each other to fly to Bethlehem, she says " . . . it's nice to know the God gives us friends and loved ones to help us on our journey." All along the way the questing bear learns about what it means to be a good person and to love God. 24 stories later all of the characters arrive at the stable and are rewarded with the joy of the infant Jesus' laughter. The lovely, color-washed illustrations are nostalgic and magical without over-powering the story line. This would make a lovely family gift to share year after year—helping the little people learn some powerful messages about the season and to count the days until Christmas. 2005 (orig. 2004), North South Books, Ages 4 to 10.—Sheilah Egan