his is a simple little book showing the Bear family decorating for the holiday. In a box, they find baby Jesus in the manager - but they have to search throughout the house to find other elements of the nativity scene, each found under a lift-the-flap. For example, the "three wise bears" are behind the mantle clock, an angel is behind a vase of flowers, and the sheep are inside a cupboard door.

The book ends:

"Now the Bear family sets up their manager scene.

'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!' says the whole Bear family."

What I Like: I really like the simplicity of this book; it does a good job of introducing or re-familiarizing young children with the basic elements of the Christmas story. And naturally, my 3 year old loved the lift-the-flaps. I'm also sure he'll be much more excited about our own nativity scene this year, due to this book.

What I Dislike: All lift-the-flap books are fragile, but this one has thinner flaps and pages than some others. Still, they seem strong - and so far my son hasn't ripped any of the flaps.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Kristina Seleshanko, Christian Children's Book Review