'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even . . . a bear? Only Jane Chapman could reimagine this classic poem with a delightful all animal cast. On the night of Christmas Eve, a family of bears settle down to sleep until Papa Bear is awakened by a racket outside. Polar bear Santa in a sleigh pulled by eight dog-deer bring festive commotion and joy to the class holiday tale

Each page gives a phonetic guide (without the actual spelling) for saying "I love you" in a different country. "For the sake of simplicity, we have selected the most common language from each"--preface. Actually gives pronunciations for fewer than 99 languages, since some of the 99 countries listed speak the same language.

The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales: 500+ Novels, Stories, Poems, Carols & Legends encapsulates a magnificent tapestry of yuletide narratives, bringing together an array of literary styles ranging from poetry to prose, and short stories to novels. This compilation distinguishes itself by its diversity, traversing through the Victorian sentimentality of Dickens to the rugged American realism of Mark Twain, all the while encapsulating the essence of Christmas. It encompasses myriad themes such as hope, generosity, and the human condition, making this collection not just a celebration of Christmas but a reflection of humanity itself. The anthology serves as a pivotal literary context for understanding the evolution of Christmas narratives across different periods and cultures, showcasing notable works that have shaped the tradition of holiday storytelling. The selected authors in The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales are luminaries from various epochs, each bringing their unique cultural, historical, and literary backgrounds to the collection. Contributors like Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy offer insights into the social fabric of their respective times, while poets like William Wordsworth and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow capture the ethereal beauty of the winter season and its festivities. This anthology stands at the crossroads of various literary movements, from Romanticism with its emphasis on emotion and individualism to the detailed character studies of Realism. The sheer variety of authors enriches the collection, offering a panoramic view of Christmas through the ages, wrapped in the personal experiences and artistic visions of each writer. For readers seeking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit through a literary lens, The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales offers an unparalleled journey. This anthology is not just a collection of stories and poems; it is an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions, emotions, and narratives. Through its pages, readers are offered a unique opportunity to engage with multiple perspectives on Christmas, understanding its universal appeal and the various ways it has been celebrated and interpreted. This book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the cultural history of Christmas, the evolution of holiday literature, and the enduring power of storytelling in shaping our seasonal rituals and memories.