Bruno in the Snow

Kelly L. Green is the co-editor of the Children’s Literature edition
of the Canadian Book Review Annual.

Bruno is a little bear cub who lives in a peaceful forest with his
parents, Gregory and Clementine. One winter day, Clementine prepares the
beds and they all lie down for a long winter sleep. Except Bruno can’t
sleep. He sneaks outside to spend a day sledding and skiing with his
friends Leo and Leah Rabbit. The day ends in an adventure none of them
anticipate, and Gregory and Clementine must use their ingenuity to
rescue their sleepy teddy bear from some kindly but confused humans.
All’s well that ends well, and Bruno finally goes to sleep.

Daigneault’s illustrations take this charming Christmas story
(perfect for Christmas Eve) into the realm of the Christmas classic. Her
pictures are warm, colorful, and full of life. The lovely round,
anthropomorphic animals wear expressions of friendliness, worry,
surprise, and love on their furry faces. Children will pore over the
detailed illustrations for hours (one 6-year-old insisted on sleeping
with this book after a first reading). Highly recommended.