Was That Christmas?

From Publishers Weekly Santa's visit to her preschool leaves Bella disconsolate: he didn't bring a present for her cat, he didn't bring his reindeer, and there isn't any snow. "Was that Christmas?" she wails. Her mother assures her that it's "just the beginning," and outlines upcoming preparations. Bella replays her question twice more, giving her father and grandmother each a chance to describe more traditions. As in her novels, McKay (The Exiles) mines family dynamics with wit as well as tenderness, and the patterned structure, like Harvey's (My Friend John) mellow vignettes, will beguile a preschool audience. Ages 2-6.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 1-Three-year-old Bella learns all about the tree, the sleigh, and the sack full of presents, but is disappointed when Santa arrives at her preschool without snow and nothing for her black cat. "Was that Christmas?" she complains. Her parents reassure her that there is much more, and show her the fun involved in preparing for the holiday. When it arrives, Bella is pleasantly surprised to see snow and a stocking full of gifts for Black Jack. A simple and reassuring story with perfectly suited soft pastel vignette and full-page illustrations.-M. W.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.