Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Canada (Atlantic Time Zone), Chile (except Easter Island), Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Venezuela By colluding in this, I think we’re robbing children of the chance to see the roots of our culture. There are real reasons and stories, be they pagan or Christian, behind winter festivals. And if Christmas starts in October or November, how can children possibly appreciate what it means? Botswana, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mozambique, Namibia, Palestine, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, Syria, Ukraine, Zambia, Zimbabwe There are so many brilliant things about this time of year, when you think about it. This year, we’ve been teaching Flea about conkers, and we’ve chatted about Remembrance Day and what that means. We’ve watched the trees turn, and taken long walks on the beach. Belize, Canada (Central Time Zone), Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, parts of Mexico, United States (Central Time Zone)

I love Bonfire Night, too. Again, we go to the church (we’re not big Christians, but honestly, in Lytham, EVERYTHING happens at church) and the vicar barbecues sausages, the kids make guys and we burn them on a HUGE fire, then all the kids run around like savages. Fab. I think we all know that this is basically a phenomenon caused by retailers who want to extend the Christmas shopping frenzy and boost their profits as far as they’re able. That’s why the garden centre is already selling Christmas tree decorations, the shops are promoting Christmas toys, and we’ve got aisles of mince pies and Quality Street in Tesco.But I find it infuriating to see a Santa figure on the reception desk of the local swimming pool (yes, Poulton-le-Fylde YMCA, I am referring to you). Big Bear and Ted are gorgeous cuddly bears and their emotions are brilliantly portrayed in the illustrations. I love Big Bear’s expression when Ted ‘helps’ with present wrapping and there is such joy on their faces when Christmas Day finally arrives. Many traditional elements of Christmas are shown in the pictures – cards, presents, a cake and a lopsided tree that is overloaded with decorations!

Bahrain, Belarus, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia (Moscow), Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen Ted’s excitement and impatience are brilliantly portrayed through both text and pictures. He constantly shadows Big Bear with his questions and problems arise when he tries to help in scenarios that will be all too familiar to parents! The tree causes big drama and I love the picture of Ted lying with his paws over his eyes when it snaps and it seems that they won’t have a tree.Parents and children will identify with Ted’s excitement and his constant question ‘Is it Christmas yet?’ This beautifully illustrated story perfectly captures the excitement and anticipation of the festive season for small children and the preparations that are involved. Bahamas, Brazil, Canada (Eastern Time Zone), Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Jamaica, Peru, United States (Eastern Time Zone) Thank you to Little Tiger Press for sending us Is It Christmas Yet? We love it and think that parents will relate to it as much as their children!