The Teddy Bears' Night Before Christmas (Cartwheel Books) - Hardcover

No traditional illustrations here. Stevenson, a photographer, has used stuffed animals, snowy backgrounds, little knickknacks, and toys to narrate the familiar poem. The acknowledgments thank a whole list of helpers: the bear maker, the prop master, the scene designer, the costumer, and others. All their work results in delightful two-page spreads that seem real enough to touch. Each of the figures is adorable, but particularly cute is the Teddy Santa, who wears a red-checked suit, sports a curly beard, and carries a corduroy bag of toys. Little kids especially will be intrigued by this--as will adults, who'll look closely to catch all the details. Ilene Cooper

PreSchool-The traditional poem is given the teddy-bear treatment in this playful, oversized picture book. Bright, carefully placed, full-color photo collages depict a family of dressed-up teddies in a charming, wintry house; plush-toy reindeer on the rooftop; and a dapper, if slightly furry St. Nick. While most libraries are well stocked with the poem, this "Kissenbear Family" adventure will appeal to young listeners, especially those with a soft spot for bears.-A.C.
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