Little Bear's Christmas

This cozy German import is a bit long-winded, but brims with charm. ""Sensible people, like us bears, go to bed and stay there until the warm spring arrives,"" Mrs. Bear tells her son, who nevertheless secretly sets his alarm for Christmas. Little Bear then gets lost in the snowy wood, but not to worry, Father Christmas is there to rescue him. Scharff-Kniemeyer embroiders the tale with piquant detail, from a rough-hewn log armchair piled with plump cushions to a crow sporting a tiny woolen cap. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)