I Love You More Than Christmas

“I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas!” sums up Little Bear’s feelings about the holiday, but he loves something else even more. Every time he tries to tell Mommy and Daddy Bear what it is, however, he’s interrupted by exciting holiday preparations, such as Christmas cards arriving: “I love cards and packages, oh, yes, I do!/ But the thing that I love more than Christmas is—,” Hattie writes. Little Bear’s parents face the same challenge; whether it’s Daddy Bear bursting through door with the tree or the oven timer signaling that a special treat is ready, no one can get a word in. Until, that is, the Bear clan shares a quieter happy moment at bedtime. Warnes’s winsome images include lots of homey detail and depict a furry family overjoyed to decorate, bake, dance, and just be together. Ages 3–7. [em](Sept.) [/em]