Santa Bruce

Socially conscious Bruce shops locally (yeah!) buys organic, and enjoys a long winter hibernation like all bears. He dislikes nearly everything else. One day, Bruce's goose eggs, purchased from a nearby farm, begin to hatch while in a warm water bath on Bruce's stove. The goslings imprint on Bruce, and just like that, he becomes a mother.  That's the premise of the first book in this series, Mother Bruce.   Bruce does not enjoy motherhood and does everything possible to send the little ones on their way.  But they love him; they want to stay and that love-not love relationship leads to chaos, hilarity, and much anxiety for our bear.

In the subsequent installments, Bruce finds himself running a hotel when the goslings invite their woodland friends to share the joy of living with their lovable, grumpy mother.  Book three, Bruce's Big Move - well I'm sure you can guess how Bruce attempts to get away from everyone this time.

Winter rolls around in this newest book, and it is clear that Bruce's latest plan to seek freedom has again been foiled.  And again, he becomes the victim of mistaken identity. While shoveling, bundled in a red hat and sweater - instead of sleeping through the cold months in his red long johns- a raccoon with a nose for news spots Bruce and spreads the word that Santa is living in the nearby woods.  

This book pops with a colorful story and expressive illustrations.  Higgins offers plenty of chuckles for adults as well.  The little bunny family has a grown-up bunny who still lives with his parents.  While discussing holiday plans, a mouse in residence declares "Actually, bears don't hibernate. they spend the winter in a state of lethargy".  His pun-ish friend replies, "I thought we were spending winter in the state of Maine"... and on it goes. Fun, giggles and lots of opportunities for parent-child chatter starters.

Thanks to all you grumpy bears for stopping by.