Customer Reviews

Beaser the Bear's Rocky Mountain Christmas (Animalations)

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This book includes an original song CD. The story tells of two bears that gave their extra stuff to others during the holiday season; sharing brought joy to their family. Generosity and caring about others is the message in the story.

Part of the colorfully illustrated "Animalations" series, Beaser the Bear's Rocky Mountain Christmas is a holiday-themed picturebook for young people featuring a lovable bear family sharing the true meaning of Christmas together. An accompanying CD of the rhyming text set to music is a great way for parents and children to share holiday spirit. "Beaser told of opening stuff, / And when he was all through, / He had so much he could not use, / He wondered what he should do. // At that moment Beaser understood / what it was he should do. / Give his extra stuff to other cubs / And make their dreams come true." The final pages offer an assortment of activities teachers or parents can share with children, and true facts about Rocky Mountain bears, in this charitably-themed picturebook enthusiastically recommended for the yuletide season.

Reviewed by Carter and Regan Windsor for Reader Views (11/07)

"Beaser's cubs, Rickity and Snickity
Know that Santa brings them toys,
But Beaser wants his cubs to learn,
How to feel Christmas Joy."

"Beaser the Bear's Rocky Mountain Christmas" shares a powerful message with kids - the joy of giving, especially to those less fortunate than themselves. Most importantly, it does it subtly through a fun story, with fabulous illustrations, and song on CD. Following the Three R's Before Reading (Rhythm, Rhyme, and Repetition) "Beaser the Bear's Rocky Mountain Christmas" stimulates young listeners on many levels; especially when they get up and dance to the `Beaser the Bear' song!

As Beaser makes his way to his "tinsel covered den" he notices some bear cubs "down the way" without a family, food, or a home to stay. As Beaser reflects on his Christmases as a child he remembers the big pile of stuff he got, but also that "it's about sharing with others that will bring Christmas joys."

He begins to think about what his own Papa told him. "Grow your heart by sharing. If you give to others, you'll be filled with Christmas caring." With this thought Beaser passes the story on to his cubs of how he ended up with so much stuff at Christmas he really didn't know what to do with it all. Then the answer came to him, he would "give his extra stuff to other cubs and make their dreams come true."

As he continues his story he tells them "of the cubs down the way, who didn't have food or a family or a bear den where they could stay." As his bear cubs listen to the story they excitedly chime "Papa, let's not wait `til Christmas. Let's grow our hearts today!"

Rickity and Snickity then begin to go through all their cupboards "finding treasures to give away." Finally they surprise Beaser when they suggest the cubs come there to stay. A proud Beaser sheds tear as he welcomes the additional family into his den with big bear hugs.

Filled with big, colorful illustrations and a rhyming, repetitive story, "Beaser the Bear's Rocky Mountain Christmas" provides plenty of opportunity for discussion.

"They give away their stuff?!" says Carter pointing to a picture of the cubs.

"Yes, they have things they no longer use or need that other cubs would really love to have. Cubs that don't have lots of stuff like these cubs do."

Jumping off my lap, Carter runs to his stuff. "My stuff!" At two he is still struggling with sharing, so giving his stuff away seems a bit scary. He continues to get comfortable with the concept, however, as he runs over yelling "I want the Bears!" while pointing to the book. Rather than listening to Mom's voice though, he prefers the narration and music provided on the CD, with the cute little bell to let him know when to turn the page. The best part of all for him, however, is the song at the end that he jumps up and dances to! The song has a simple but powerful message. "If you learn to give to others, you can make their dreams come true. You can grow your heart in a very simple way. Give away your extra stuff and start it today."

"Beasar the Bear's Rocky Mountain Christmas" is a great opportunity to introduce the concept of sharing our stuff, embracing the idea of giving it away, and learning about the joy that it brings to the one who gives. What makes this book work so well, however, is the fabulous story, complemented by beautiful illustrations, making it so appealing to kids again and again.

Book received free of charge.