Little Bear, whose adventures began in the eponymous Little Bear's Sunday Breakfast and Little Bear's Pancake Party, returns in this third picture-book from author Janice and illustrator Mariana. When our little ursine hero wakes up in the middle of the winter and learns about Christmas for the first time, he writes to Santa asking for some. Wise in his ways, Santa determines that the best way to give Little Bear some Christmas is to have him become a Santa's helper for the night. After aiding in giving out gifts to others, Little Bear returns home to find his friends gathered for a splendid holiday party of their own...

Although it is normally my practice to read picture-book series in order of publication, I don't seem to be doing so with these books. Little Bear's Christmas is only the second that I have read, following upon the subsequent Little Bear's Thanksgiving. It is a sweet story, one that put me in mind of the more recent Waiting for Santa, which also features a bear who gets to help Santa deliver his presents. All in all, I prefer this book to that more recently published one, enjoying the gentle, heartwarming story and the cute illustrations. Little Bear looks quite happy, playing Santa! Recommended to vintage picture-book lovers in the market for holiday tales. ( )