Henry Bear's Christmas

From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-Henry Bear's favorite thing about Christmas is the tree, but finding one that meets his high standards is a challenge. After rejecting his friend Stanley's choice, he learns that the church is raffling off a beauty and he spends all of his tree money on tickets. Then he runs to the doughnut shop for cocoa, and he isn't there to claim his prize when his number is drawn. Rather than being disappointed, the friends make do with the scrawny tree that Stanley has favored all along. McPhail's storytelling skill is well matched by his glowing pen, ink, and watercolor artwork. Wintry scenes harken back to a simpler time when knickers, vests, and caps were in fashion. The facial expressions of even the most minor characters are so revealing of an emotional inner life that it seems not at all fantastical for animals and humans to be interacting in the same little village. Suitable for reading aloud, this endearing picture book stresses the nonmaterial joys of the season.-L. I.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. From