From School Library Journal
Gr 2-5-Escaping the cold on a winter walk, a young girl climbs inside a deep hole and finds herself in a bear's den. The magical animal then leads her (in her dreams as they hibernate) to different lands and times. The bear "chats" with the girl along the way, pointing out how different peoples developed and observe winter holiday customs and celebrations as lead-ins to the stories. They visit Europe, Mexico, and the United States, learning a little about Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Candelmas, Solstice, Twelfth Night, and New Year's Day. While this attractively designed compilation can serve as a guide to discussing and studying different seasonal holidays, readers may simply enjoy the twosome's journey and stories along the way. Mills's appealing acrylics appear throughout, sometimes large, but generally as small vignettes in the text margins. Sources are cited in an endnote.-L.F. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

ANNOTATION

The adventures of a young girl as she travels through time with a bear as her guide, discovering the origins of winter tales and traditions from the first snowfall to the return of spring.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Follow the adventures of a young girl as she travels through time with a bear as her guide and discovers the origins of our best-loved winter customs.

SYNOPSIS

Who was the real St. Nicholas? Why do we decorate our homes with holly and ivy? What is the significance of the menorah? And what is the message behind "The Twelve Days of Christmas"? In this unique treasury, a wise old bear will be your guide as you cross the boundaries of time and space and learn the answers to these and other questions. As you make your way through the winter months, you will also be regaled with many memorable stories, starting with a tale for the first snowfall and ending with the feast of Candlemas and the return of the spring sun.

FROM THE CRITICS

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