I love Perfect Picture Book Friday. I especially love it in December because reviewers tell all about their seasonal favorites. Then I get to add a whole slew of picture books to my Can’t-Wait-To-Read-This list!
I’m especially excited about the book I’m reviewing today. It is written by Maria Modugno who just happens to be the editor for my debut picture book! (I have a big smile on my face right now!) Maria is editorial director at Random House Children’s Publishing.
Santa Claus and the Three Bears
Written by Maria Modugno
Illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brook Dyer
HarperCollins 2013
Ages 4-8
Themes: Holiday, Fractured Fairy Tales
Synopsis: (from the publisher’s website) When Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear return from a snowy stroll on Christmas Eve, they are surprised at what they find! Their pudding . . . eaten! Their chairs . . . broken! And who is that, fast asleep in Baby Bear’s bed?
This ingenious holiday treat positively glows with warmth and humor. Sparkling prose by Maria Modugno and splendid watercolor paintings by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer make every turn of the page a fresh delight.
Opening: Once upon a time, there were three bears: a great big Papa Bear, a middle-size Mama Bear, and a wee little Baby Bear. It was Christmas Eve, and they were busy decorating their house with holly and berries and icicles.
Resources: When kids read a fractured fairy tale, they’ll probably want to write one of their own. Read, Write, Think has this great tool for writing fractured fairy tales, HERE.
I found a fractured fairy tale book list HERE. The list is kind of dated in terms of publication date but it has a ton of excellent books on it. HERE is a link to a fractured fairy tale shelf I added my Goodreads. It will have ones with more recent publication dates. I have some listed that are on the other list so excuse duplicates.
Have kids weave Santa into another fairy tale.
HERE is a nice resource from The Book Chook. Be sure to scroll down and check out all her ideas.
Why I Like This Book: Many reasons! I am a big fan of fractured fairy tales. They’re all kinds of fun. Pairing Santa with polar bears is nothing short of brilliant. What child doesn’t love a story about either one? Combine the two, and their little eyes will sparkle. And, Maria Modugno’s text is “just right”. The story follows the original but is fresh with details that bring warm humor and Christmas spirit to this beloved tale. Instead of high-tailing it like Goldilocks, Santa stays long enough to Ho! Ho! Ho! and leave presents for the three bears. In an adorable twist, he leaves a GREAT BIG present for Baby Bear, a middle-size present for Mama Bear, and a wee little present for Papa Bear.
The illustrations are absolutely perfect. Just look at that cover. The first spread shows the bears decorating their house for Christmas and I just stared…taking in every delightful detail!
Don’t you love this book already? So…Ho! Ho! Ho! and Go! Go! Go! get this book!
Click HERE to read my other reviews of fractured fairy tales.
To find more perfect picture books, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and check out all the fantastic selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book -lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.
Penny Parker Klostermann 
I love the theme, the twist, and of course the art. We’ll have to add this to next year’s pb advent countdown.
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Fun choice. We’ll add this to our list. Little Santa is already in a box waiting for one little boy thanks to your recommendation.
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I hope “one little boy” love Little Santa! Thanks for coming by!
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Funny! 🙂
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It’s a cute one!
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Now, that’s nothing short of brilliant, Penny. Wish I had written it! Very cute and clever. . .
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I know! It’s a really great idea and she executed it perfectly.
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Have already ordered the book. This is too delicious to miss. And, thank you for all of the resources. Particularly loved the fractured fairy tale tool kit for kids. Ditto, Catherine’s comment. Thank you for sharing.
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Oh good, Pat. I hope you’ll enjoy having it in your collection as much as I am.
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This cover is adorable! I agree, Maria came up with the idea we all wish we had had. This looks like a winner (even if it isn’t rhyming!)
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The illustrations are amazing, Wendy.
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I DO love it already! It’s on my list and I’m checking it twice! Thanks for sharing all those lists of yours!
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You’re welcome, Rhythm. Glad it’s on your list!
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Oh – what a nifty idea. I haven’t seen it yet, but will look for it!
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Hope you find it, Sue. It’s a perfect to add to the Christmas spirit.
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What a fabulous idea! It’s one of those Can’t believe we didn’t think of that already. Great choice Penny!
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Yes! You’re right, Catherine. It is one of those ideas! I find books that I wish I’d written almost every time I go to the library.
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:0)
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Another idea I wish I’d had myself! Cant’t wait to read it!
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Hope you’re library has it, Julie 🙂
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Oh how sweet! I remember how my daughter longed to have the BIGGEST present under the tree, thinking it would be the best. I soon learned the multiple box technique to prolong the gift opening AND give her the joy of having the biggest gift.
I must read this book while I enjoy the sweet anticipation of reading YOUR book one day soon!
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I used that technique, too, Cathy! I don’t think it’ll ever grow old. Yes, it’s a must-read (as I hope mine will be).
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Since I love bears, period, and have long been a fan of Jane and Brook Dyer’s art, this looks like the perfect holiday PB for me! Thanks for featuring it. 🙂
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This book is delightful! Great choice, Penny. And i look forward to reading about YOUR perfect picture book soon! Congratulations again!
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