I only recently discovered there was a sequel to the Big Hungry Bear and the the Red ripe Strawberry. And this book too, stands the test of time. Mouse is afraid the big hungry bear is going to get his Christmas presents. But as he thinks about the bear who gets no presents, no even from Santa, he has a change of heart. And gets a big surprise in return. A lovely wonderful book for Christmas or any time.
I didn’t like this one as much as the first, but it was still very cute and for the most part stuck to the theme of the first one. This story is Christmas themed and has a sweet message similar to the original. The illustrations are colorful and lovely. My only real gripe with this one is that the strawberry wasn’t incorporated, nor was the present at the end revealed. It felt unfinished. Makes a nice holiday-themed addition.
Mouse is preparing for Christmas and obviously he needs to protect his presents from the big hungry bear. Right? What? The big hungry bear never gets any presents? Not even from Santa? Oh no.
Big fan of this one. Anyone who liked The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear (and who didn't?) will love this Christmas sequel. It's got perfect tension for preschool/kindergarten, a bit of a surprise, many things going on in the large illustrations, and lots of things to talk about during/after the story.
On a side note - Audrey and Don Wood have to be my favorite kindergarten authors. Almost everything I've used by them just plain works.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
I've used this for Kindergarten and first grade this week for their library lesson, and they have loved it. The illustrations are so pretty and vibrant. The little twist of not actually seeing the bear surprises them in a good way. We talk about what gift the bear may have given the mouse, and it is a great way to spark their imagination. I used a free worksheet I found on the Wood website for them to draw their idea of the gift. Other talking points include the mouse's bravery and generosity in seeking out the big hungry bear.