Bear's First Christmas [Hardcover]

Robert Kinerk (Author), Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)

Book Description

In the dark of winter, deep in the woods, a lone bear is awakened from his winter sleep by a soft and mysterious sound. Under the stars the bear finds his way step by step through the snowy forest, making friends along his route. Then the bear discovers a place in the woods that glows magically with something he and his friends could never have imagined -- their first Christmas.

Robert Kinerk's inspired story and Jim LaMarche's glimmering illustrations combine in a picture book that captures the joy and spirit of Christmas. Come along with bear and his friends and see the magical light of Bear's First Christmas.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Kinerk is the author of Clorinda, illustrated by Steven Kellogg, which was an IRA Children's Book Award Notable Book, and about which Booklist said in a starred review, "Much applause for Clorinda."

Mr. Kinerk grew up in Alaska and has worked as a journalist and playwright. He now lives with his wife, Anne, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (October 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068986972X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689869723
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #647,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Book, November 13, 2007

By 

JJ (TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bear's First Christmas (Hardcover)

I bought this book because of the gorgeous cover art, but the story is just as precious. I actually bought it for my nephew, who will celebrate his first Christmas this year. This story is meant for 4-8 year olds. Bear begins his winter nap all alone in a cave beside a meager little tree, but is awakened. As the story progresses, Bear meets new friends, and they all end up peering into the window of cozy home, watching a family joyfully celebrate Christmas. The animals don't understand the words of the Christmas carols or the meaning of the lights on the tree, but the Christmas "glow" they've witnessed inspires them to improvise their own version of a Christmas carol as they make their way back to Bear's cave. When they reach the cave, the little tree is covered in snow and bathed in moonlight so that it has the same "glow" that the family's Christmas tree has. You can read the rest......
A truly magical story.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LaMarche Does It Again, December 5, 2007

By 

Richard K. (Tustin, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bear's First Christmas (Hardcover)

A young bear is awakened from his first hibernation sleep by...something. Sound? Light? Off he goes off to investigate. This is a wonderful story; of the Christmas spirit, of animals in nature, of helping and sharing, and of course of Christmas. Best of all are the luminescent illustrations by Jim LaMarche, who has illustrated many other wonderful books including A STORY FOR BEAR and THE RAFT. Each page is a delight. This book is intended for ages 4-8, but adults may have a hard time not putting it on their own bookshelf. Delightful!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Holiday Magic, December 13, 2007

By 

J. Schroeer "jana banana & family" (Verona, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bear's First Christmas (Hardcover)

This is my new favorite holiday book! The lyrical poetry keeps my son enthralled while gently teaching a lesson of generosity and love - without being preachy. It's truly a delight to read! Bear's good heart helps him find important things in life - a home, friends and the magical glow of Christmas. Beautiful, wispy, snow-filled illustrations; rhythmical words and the sweetest story ever. Everyone who celebrates Christmas should own this book! - even if you don't have any children in the house. It gives you a warm glow just like finding Christmas did for Bear and his friends.