Bella knew Christmas her whole life but didn't understand it until preschool. She realized that Santa brings presents for all, comes when it snows, and rides on a sleigh with reindeer. Bella gets disappointed when Santa comes to her school because had no sleigh, reindeer, snow, or a present for Black Jack (her cat). Was that Christmas? she cries. Her mom explains to her that it is just the beginning and there is so much to do before Christmas even comes. This is a great story to explain to children what makes Christmas special. ( )

Bella and her cat, Black Jack, are too little to understand about Christmas. But when they are three, Bella is old enough to understand that something special is going to happen!

But the Christmas festivities at the preschool fall far short of Bella's expectations - and Santa doesn't bring a present for Black Jack! Naturally, Bella roars, "Was that Christmas?". Her mother reassures her that's just the beginning! There are many more things to be done - decorations, cooking, meeting with friends and family, until finally....

It's Christmas!

The illustrations are warm and cheerful and express the excitement and happiness of a child's first expectations for Christmas. This is a British import, so some of the traditions may be a little unfamiliar, but they are easily explained.

Verdict: A warm and lovely introduction to Christmas for the youngest of listeners, but the unfamiliar terms and traditions make this less useful. Fun to borrow, but no need to track down a used version.

ISBN: 978-0689847653; Published October 2002 by Margaret K. McElderry Books (out of print); Borrowed from the library