Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

Illustrated by Jarvis
Review copy provided by publisher.

Join a family as they pick out a tree for Christmas. There are many choices, but choosing is just the first step. Once your choice is made it's time to decorate and turn your pine tree choice into a Christmas tree.

Thoughts: A wonderful celebration of a Christmas tradition. We had live trees growing up, but we (the kids) never got to do the picking. My dad just found one in the woods. I love the inclusion of what happens to the tree after it's picked. Decorating the tree is such a magical thing. The illustrations are detailed and fun. The lack of outlines make the illustrations brighter. My favorites are the different trees at the tree lot, all the different tree decorations, and the Christmas tree. Pick a Pine Tree is a great book to read before going to pick out your Christmas tree. I think reading the book could become an annual tradition.

(Candlewick Press, 2017)

A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker

Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Review copy provided by publisher.

Bear has never really celebrated Christmas, but he's read about the traditions. This year he and Mouse are going to celebrate Christmas with a party. Mouse is disappointed that Bear's party doesn't include presents. Mouse is sure Bear is kidding so he goes looking for his present in all the usual places: under Bear's bed, in the hall closet, and in the Christmas tree.

Thoughts: Bear and Mouse have been some of my favorite characters since I discovered the first book, A Visitor for Bear, back in 2010. I'm glad to see them have a Christmas adventure. Even though they are friends now, I like that Mouse can still exasperate Bear. It makes this book a hilarious read aloud. I enjoyed reading it to some first graders this month. The illustrations are lovely and just what I've come to expect from Kady MacDonald Denton--soft colored and detailed. This is a great addition to the Bear and Mouse series as well as Christmas picture books.

Don't miss the other books in the series! (links to my reviews)
A Visitor for Bear
A Birthday for Bear
A Bedtime for Bear
The Sniffles for Bear
A Library Book for Bear

(Candlewick Press, 2017)

A Letter for Bear by David Lucas

Bear is the postman. Everyday, he delivers letters but never receives one himself. With the nuisance of the wind and snow, he meets all the animals on his route. Will his new friends ever send him a letter?

Thoughts: A sweet Christmas story with nice illustrations. I like the guide to all the animals on the end papers. I'm definitely adding A Letter for Bear to my list of books for Christmas events.

Themes: Christmas

(Flying Eye Books, 2013)